Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 806 (click to see context) from:
to:
* "Doctor (Work It Out)" by Pharrell Williams & Miley Cyrus: He thinks [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1790442948636889564 it's awful]], referencing a four-year old tweet that had been on his mind since.
Changed line(s) 820 (click to see context) from:
* Anything off of ''The Tortured Poets Department'' by Taylor Swift except "Florida!!!": He claimed that most of the album "[[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1782433092428574749 seemed self-consciously poetic]]", at the expense of being lyrical, and had lines that might work decently in the verses but are disastrous in the chorus, like in "Down Bad" and the title track.
to:
* Anything off of ''The Tortured Poets Department'' by Taylor Swift except "Florida!!!": He claimed that most of the album "[[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1782433092428574749 seemed self-consciously poetic]]", at the expense of being lyrical, and had lines that might work decently in the verses but are disastrous in the chorus, like in "Down Bad" and the title track. He also [[https://bsky.app/profile/shadowtodd.bsky.social/post/3kshh5pgrtl2l singled out]] "Fortnight"'s opening verse in particular as "terrible" and "just insufferably precious".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
[[WMG/ToddInTheShadowsYearEnd Return to main page]]
----
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:Year-End Predictions (2020)]]
[[WMG: Best]]
* "Good News" by Music/MacMiller (peaked at #17): This posthumous single has become Mac's one truly big hit (aside from his guest spot on Music/ArianaGrande's "The Way", he had only briefly touched the top 40 once, and that was primarily because he died right before the song's peak). It has quickly emerged one of the most acclaimed pop songs in several years, thanks to its hauntingly personal lyrics and immaculate production. Considering Todd's fascination and horror over Mac's history with Ariana, it's very likely this song will heavily intrigue him.
** Jossed.
* "Don't Start Now" by Dua Lipa (peaked at #2): It wasn't a hit in time to qualify for the Best list in 2019, but it has since become Dua Lipa's biggest hit to date in America. So far, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1224526624906977281?s=20 things seem to be looking up]] for its chances of making the Best list this year.
** Confirmed honorable mention.
* "Adore You" by Harry Styles (peaked at #6): In stark contrast to the rest of One Direction, Harry Styles' solo career has been widely praised for its originality and ambition. While Todd found "Sign of the Times" too depressing to really enjoy, it's likely he has grown much fonder of Harry since his sophomore album came out because he retweeted a [[https://twitter.com/useful_noise/status/1205586240684339200?s=20 comment praising Harry as "the one who likes good music"]]. More critically, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1342653643036758021?s=20 Todd considers Harry #1 on his list of musicians whose power ranking rose the most in 2020]].
** Confirmed #3.
* "Heartless" by The Weeknd (peaked at #1): Although it didn't make the Best list in 2019, Todd recently [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1210583838084272129?s=20 tweeted]] that he's much more impressed by his usual style now than he was originally, so it's possible this could make the countdown for 2020 instead, especially since it came out in December, before Todd likely felt he could make a final verdict on it. On Twitter, he said that [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1233610035814641664?s=20 while it has a weak chorus, it's otherwise a good song]]. He gave special praise to the [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1233611150606118912?s=20 drum hits]] early in the verse. While The Weeknd's other hits this year are probably likelier to make Todd's Best list, this song's strengths could be enough to earn it an honorable mention.
** Confirmed #9.
* "High Fashion" by Roddy Ricch featuring Mustard (peaked at #20): It's possible Todd would like this for similar reasons he likes Drake's better songs, namely its melancholic tone beneath a glamorous façade.
** Jossed.
* "everything i wanted" by Billie Eilish (peaked at #8): After missing last year's list (possibly because Todd only wanted to represent Billie with "Bad Guy"), it could make the 2020 countdown instead.
** Confirmed honorable mention.
* "Physical" by Dua Lipa: Todd likes Dua Lipa, and this has become one of her most acclaimed songs yet, between its fresh spin on '80s synthpop and lyrics that Todd would feel bring out the best of her talents. If this gets an honorable mention, expect Todd to say it's way better than Olivia Newton-John's song of the same name, which he hates.
** Jossed, though Todd said Dua Lipa had lots of great songs this year.
* "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd (peaked at #1): It is one of The Weeknd's most acclaimed songs to date, and Todd will probably enjoy its early '80s synthpop stylings. However, while he called it an [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1272063121008590848?s=20 obviously great-sounding]] song, he also found it hard to feel strongly about, making it unlikely that he'd put it higher than an honorable mention.
** Jossed, with Todd mentioning the above reason for excluding it during his prelude to #9.
* "No Time to Die" by Billie Eilish (peaked at #16): It has become one of the most hyped Bond themes in quite a long time, powered by arguably the biggest pop star of the turn of the decade. Since Todd has been extremely impressed by Billie Eilish, he'll likely enjoy this.
** Jossed.
* "After Hours" by The Weeknd (peaked at #20): Todd has grown much fonder of The Weeknd's persona as a nocturnal heartbreaker, so he'll probably commend this track's remorseful self awareness as a fresh development in his star narrative. Also, it's one of his most acclaimed singles to date.
** Jossed
* "Break My Heart" by Dua Lipa (peaked at #13): With Bruno Mars shying away from retro pastiche in recent times, it's likely Todd will praise Dua Lipa for taking up the mantle. Since the bassline here resembles "Need You Tonight", it's possible he'd mention how Dua Lipa is way better at mimicking INXS than Pat Monahan was.
** Jossed, although Todd did mention that Dua Lipa would've ranked highly among 2020 artists who made the most good songs.
* "Savage" by Megan thee Stallion (peaked at #1): Since Todd loved "Hot Girl Summer", he'll probably enjoy this as well. He said he far prefers the original over the remix.
** Remix with Beyonce confirmed #10.
* "Righteous" and/or "Wishing Well" by Juice WRLD (peaked at #11 and #5, respectively): Todd came to appreciate Juice WRLD much more by the time he passed away, and these posthumous singles will probably resonate with him in 2020.
** Both songs jossed.
* "Stupid Love" by Lady Gaga (peaked at #5): Todd said this is a mostly [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1256723458744094727?s=20 great song]] that's only held back by its disappointing resolution. It probably won't rank high on his year-end list, but he might come to forgive the "I want your stupid love" part enough that it will make his video.
** Jossed.
* "Say So (Remix)" by Doja Cat feat. Nicki Minaj (peaked at #1): Another track with an oldies disco groove, which Todd is known to like. Todd said it's an [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1272063121008590848?s=20 obviously great-sounding song]], and while he originally didn't care for the remix, he now feels [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1272066381517897733?s=20 Nicki adds a lot]] to the track, and a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1325864052996755457?s=20 later performance]] of the song improved his feelings about Doja Cat. It does have the dubious distinction of being the comeback of the controversial Dr. Luke -- while this is unlikely to keep the song from appearing on the list (Todd tends to separate the art from the artist, and has put a song featuring R. Kelly on a Best list), it'll probably be [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1272063570247929857?s=20 discussed]] if the song makes the list.
** Jossed.
* "Supalonely" by BENEE ft. Gus Dapperton (#84 on Billboard's Year-End list): In his Toosie Slide review, he praised the song for singing about loneliness "in a tone just ironic enough to be comforting".
** Confirmed #7.
* "Rain on Me" by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande (peaked at #1): This seems very likely to register with Todd between its raw lyrics, uplifting house production, and the fact that it's by two pop divas he has regularly given high marks to.
** Confirmed #8.
* "I Hope You're Happy Now" by Carly Pearce & Lee Brice (#73 on Billboard's Year-End list): Like the other country hits of 2020, this song is burying the memory of bro-country in the 2010s.
** Jossed.
* "Watermelon Sugar" by Harry Styles (peaked at #1): Like "Adore You", this has fared quite well with the public. It becoming Harry's first US #1 hit proves that he's had the most fruitful solo career of the former [=1D=]'ers, pun intended. [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1342653643036758021?s=20 This]] also bodes well for the track.
** Jossed.
* "The Bigger Picture" by Lil Baby (peaked at #3): Although Todd has been very harsh to Lil Baby thus far, this protest song has proven there's much more to him than just by-the-numbers mumble rap, and Todd seems to be [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1278196116241219584?s=20 turning]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1278197066330750976?s=20 around]] on him for saying something important at such a critical time in history.
** Confirmed #5.
* "Trollz" by 6ix9ine & Nicki Minaj (peaked at #1): Despite Todd's hatred of 6ix9ine and his [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1275122577091047424?s=20 defeatedly sarcastic]] reaction to its #1 debut on the Hot 100, Todd said in his Pop Song Review that he actually likes this song, as he gets why Tekashi is so popular right now and also got into Nicki's part on the song. He may not feel right putting it on his top 10 proper, but don't be surprised if it gets an honorable mention.
** Jossed.
* "Cardigan" by Taylor Swift (peaked at #1): This and its parent album are quickly being lauded as being among her best work. It may win Todd back after her two previous albums (especially ''reputation'') didn't impress him, especially if [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1286838734755856384?s=20 this]] is to be believed.
** Jossed.
* "my future" by Billie Eilish (peaked at #6): This song's introspective lyrics may be especially appealing to Todd in an era where he's forced to spend the vast majority of his time by himself, especially since Billie Eilish topped his Best of 2019 list.
** Jossed.
* "Exile" by Taylor Swift featuring Bon Iver (peaked at #6): Among the songs from ''Folklore'', Todd thinks this song has [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1291185782498234369?s=20 potential to go far]] in the long run.
** Confirmed #6.
* "WAP" by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion (peaked at #1): He is a big fan of both rappers, so it seems to have pretty good chances. Plus, he tweeted [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1293002275951194112 this]], which pretty much makes it confirmed to be in the list, possibly on a high position.
** Confirmed #2.
* "Midnight Sky" by Miley Cyrus (peaked at #14): It's Miley's first solo trip to the top 20 in quite awhile, and it's easily one of her better-received singles. Todd spoke [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1315155313935347712?s=20 positively]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1315163613854724096?s=20 of it]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1317338458877091841?s=20 on Twitter]], making it virtually guaranteed to show up.
** Confirmed #4.
* "More Than My Hometown" by Morgan Wallen (peaked at #15): Todd called it [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1300847229511503873?s=20 one of his favorite singles of the year]], so it's pretty much guaranteed to show up now that it's eligible.
** Confirmed #1 best hit song of 2020. However, Todd has revoked his positive feelings about Morgan Wallen since the n-word scandal.
* "Life Is Good" by Future feat. Drake (peaked at #2): While Todd hated "Jumpman" and is tired of Drake, he's much fonder of trap music now than he was in 2016, and he could appreciate this song's multi-suite structure like he did for "SICKO MODE". He [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1269166740459737088?s=20 prefers it over "THE SCOTTS"]] and said he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1308458142154407939?s=20 likes it more than most people]].
** Confirmed honorable mention.
* "Dior", "For the Night" (featuring Lil Baby & [=DaBaby=]), and/or "The Woo" (featuring 50 Cent & Roddy Ricch) by Pop Smoke ("Dior" is #83 on Billboard's Year-End list, "Night" peaked at #6, and "Woo" peaked at #11, respectively): Although Todd's opinion of Pop Smoke is unknown as of yet, it would be in [[NeverSpeakIllOfTheDead bad taste]] for him to put him on his Worst list.
** "Dior" confirmed honorable mention.
* "Die from a Broken Heart" by Music/MaddieAndTae (#65 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd had previously spoken favorably about "Girl in a Country Song" and its deconstruction of bro-country, a subgenre that he hated. He may be pleased to see one of the acts responsible behind the subgenre's downfall finally have another hit in a time when country music has started opening up to women again.
** Jossed.
* "Franchise" by Travis Scott featuring Young Thug & M.I.A. (peaked at #1): Todd [[https://twitter.com/HowdyImAl/status/1316443087737036800?s=20 liked]] a tweet praising the song, so it's likely bound for the Best list.
** Jossed.
* "Sunday Best" by Surfaces (peaked at #19): Todd stressed that it [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1280961637801955328?s=20 understands]] its era and later called it a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1317328055187107841?s=20 Stevie Wonder riff]].
** Jossed.
* "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac (peaked at #12 in 2020): Possibly unlikely, seeing as Todd did not give an honorable mention to "All I Want For Christmas Is You" last year, but he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1316241655998054400?s=20 adores]] this track and is [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1316244575778873344?s=20 intrigued]] by its resurgence despite Generation Z's general disinterest in classic rock.
** Jossed.
* "Lemonade" by Internet Money & Gunna featuring Don Toliver & NAV (peaked at #6): Its mood might resonate with Todd in 2020.
** Jossed.
* "Happy Anywhere" by Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani (peaked at #36): Despite hating "Nobody But You", Todd claimed he found this one to be [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1322426072592388097?s=20 "pretty decent"]], so he might give it an honorable mention.
** Jossed.
* "Positions" by Ariana Grande (peaked at #1): It may not be her most rapturously acclaimed single, but Todd will probably be happy that Ariana is still keeping the flame of pop music burning even during a difficult time for the genre.
** Confirmed honorable mention.
* "34+35" by Ariana Grande (peaked at #8): Todd may appreciate this for being a pop song that deftly adapts to the pandemic era.
** Jossed.
* "Dakiti" by Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez (peaked at #5): Todd usually avoids putting Spanish-language songs on his year-end lists because he's not fluent in the language, but this is easily Bad Bunny's most positively received hit to date.
** Jossed.
* "Levitating" by Dua Lipa featuring [=DaBaby=] (peaked at #20): Todd likes both artists, so he might find room for this remix.
** Jossed.
* "P*$$y Fairy (OTW)" by Music/JheneAiko (#94 on Billboard's Year-End list): Much like "WAP", this song has gotten positive reception for its provocatively sexual content and Todd would likely enjoy the track's throwback stylings.
** Jossed.
* "Therefore I Am" by Billie Eilish (peaked at #2): Another big hit by Billie Eilish, who Todd has been highly impressed by.
** Jossed.
* "Life Goes On" by BTS (peaked at #1): This and "Dynamite" are the first K-pop songs to reach #1 in the United States, a feat even "Gangnam Style" never achieved this feat due to Maroon 5. However, whereas "Dynamite" quickly wore out on Todd, the other songs from their ''Be'' album have apparently [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1342963913793662978?s=20 grown on him]]; it's well possible this is one of the tracks he has come to appreciate.
** Jossed.
* "Body" by Megan Thee Stallion (peaked at #12): It's possibly too new to make the list, but Todd is a big fan of hers.
** Jossed.
* "Blue & Grey" by BTS (peaked at #13): It's more of an album bomb hit, but it made the top 20, regardless, and while Todd doesn't love "Dynamite", he has [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1342963913793662978?s=20 become fonder of]] the other tracks from the record.
** Jossed.
* "Emotionally Scarred" by Lil Baby (#74 on Billboard's Year-End list): Similar to "The Bigger Picture", Todd has hinted to [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1335739902529433600?s=20 liking]] it, probably because it's another example of Lil Baby showcasing his personal depth.
** Jossed.
* "Bluebird" by Miranda Lambert (#91 on Billboard's Year-End list): Another country song by a woman, which Todd is glad to see more of in 2020. This one in particular is very well-received by the public.
** Jossed.
* "BOP" by [=DaBaby=] (peaked at #11): Although "INTRO" won the slot on Todd's 2019 Best list, this could still show up in his 2020 video.
** Jossed.
* "Good as Hell" by Lizzo (peaked at #3): It technically qualified as an honorable mention in 2019 because it was Todd's 12th favorite hit of the year despite not appearing in his video, but since it made the Year-End list for 2020 as well, it could get an official honorable mention this time instead.
** Jossed.
* "Bandit" by Juice WRLD and [=YoungBoy=] Never Broke Again (peaked at #10): Since Juice WRLD died while Todd was in the middle of making his 2019 Year-End lists, time might've given him the opportunity to appreciate this track even more.
** Jossed.
* "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey (#67 on Billboard's Year-End list): Although Todd eschewed the opportunity to give this an honorable mention last year, when it went to #1 for the first time in 25 years, its presence on the official 2020 Year-End list might cause him to change his mind for this year.
** Jossed.
* "Evermore" by Taylor Swift feat. Bon Iver: This would be ''super'' last-minute, but since Todd loved their previous duet, it's likely this could get an honorable mention, too.
** Jossed.
* "My Oh My" by Camila Cabello featuring [=DaBaby=] (peaked at #12): Todd dislikes Camila Cabello but loves [=DaBaby=]. [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1217696869620514816?s=20 He considers this a]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1229075436346527745?s=20 so-bad-it's-funny song]]. Todd later called it [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1339768779325153280?s=20 Camilla Cabello's best song]], so it's likely enough of a guilty pleasure of his to get an honorable mention.
** Jossed.
* "Willow" by Taylor Swift (peaked at #1): This was the actual hit from Taylor's ''Music/Evermore2020'' album, managing to interrupt "All I Want For Christmas Is You"'s stay at #1 in the middle of December.
** Jossed.
* "The Box" by Roddy Ricch (peaked at #1): As the first new #1 hit of the 2020s, Todd may commend this as another big single by a fresh new talent. In December 2020, he called Ricch "the good Lil Baby" in ''Song vs. Song'', so it's a likely contender for the list.
** Jossed, though Todd mentioned his appreciation for it in the honorable mentions section.
* "Ballin'" by Mustard featuring Roddy Ricch (peaked at #11): Todd seems to be impressed by Roddy Ricch.
** Confirmed honorable mention and implied to be #11.
[[WMG: Worst]]
* "Yummy" by Justin Bieber (peaked at #2): Not only has its reception been abysmal, but [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1213144024724516864 Todd stated he absolutely hated it]]. Additionally, he bashed it with a ''[[Recap/TheSimpsonsS5E15DeepSpaceHomer Simpsons]]'' reference in his Best of 2019 video. [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1213731416883843072 He noted that it has been heavily compared to Justin Timberlake's "Filthy"]], which also dropped at the very beginning of the year to much backlash, due to its horribly awkward sexual lyrics and ill-fitting production. Although Todd called it the ''best'' song on Bieber's ''Changes'' album in his Pop Song Review of the track, it's likely that his opinion of the song has soured further since he discussed it, especially with its baffling Grammy nomination.
** Confirmed #1 worst hit song of 2020.
* "Falling" by Trevor Daniel (peaked at #17): Another song Todd would probably consider boring, energyless, and uninspired in the Zayn and Bazzi tradition. [[https://twitter.com/SpectrumPulse/status/1317325684587581440?s=20 This]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1317326164654878720?s=20 suggests]] it's at least in contention.
** Confirmed #7.
* "Godzilla" by Eminem feat. Juice WRLD (peaked at #3): Although Todd has grown much fonder of the late Juice WRLD since putting him on his Worst list in 2018, he hasn't been very impressed by Eminem's work from the past few years, and his new album, while not as universally panned as ''Revival'', has still bitterly disappointed the public. He'd probably call this song a worse version of "Rap God".
** Jossed.
* "hot girl bummer" by blackbear (peaked at #11): The song is widely hated for its misogynistic lyrics among other things, and Todd seemed [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1214623090845634560?s=20 rather unhappy]] that it was climbing the charts. It doesn't help that the title is a rip-off of Megan Thee Stallion's "Hot Girl Summer," a song that made Todd's best list in 2019. Furthermore, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1237436118720811008?s=20 he said he far prefers "Roxanne" by Arizona Zervas]], even though he seemed to find that song confusing and annoying at-best. He also said [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1237179759999815681?s=20 this]].
** Jossed. Todd mentioned blackbear in the opening when talking about artists that at least made interestingly bad music and he wanted to put "absence-of-good" songs on the list.
* "Intentions" by Justin Bieber featuring Quavo (peaked at #5): Todd tweeted [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1228396397562617856?s=20 this]] while listening to the song on his play-through of Bieber's ''Changes'' album (it's track 4). His [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1228397521145344001?s=20 later]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1228398039099990016?s=20 comments]] about Bieber don't help. Additionally, he stated "Yummy" was the best track on the record despite his hatred of it, implying that this song is even worse. Later, he [[https://twitter.com/middledasummer/status/1257390794509557761?s=20 retweeted a statement comparing the song's lyrics to Train]].
** Confirmed dishonorable mention.
* "RITMO (Bad Boys for Life)" by Black Eyed Peas x J Balvin (#50 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd will surely be horrified that the Black Eyed Peas somehow ''did'' return for another hit after several years of being yesterday's news. It doesn't help that this song returns to will.i.am's formula of hijacking nostalgic pop songs (in this case "The Rhythm of the Night" by Corona[[note]]Let's put aside the unfortunate coincidence there[[/note]]) and coating them with vapid lyrics and irritating production. Todd confirmed his dismay over the Black Eyed Peas' comeback in his OHW retrospective for the aforementioned song, so this seems very likely to make the Worst list.
** Jossed. Todd played it as an example of a radio filler song while discussing his #4 pick.
* "Nobody But You" by Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani (peaked at #18): Todd said their voices [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1256472699481796609?s=20 don't go together]] and that his mind [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1270211662377779200?s=20 rejects the idea of them]] as a couple. He later compared their relationship to Cher and Gregg Allman in the ''Two the Hard Way Trainwreckords''.
** Confirmed #6.
* "Stuck with U" by Justin Bieber & Ariana Grande (peaked at #1): Musically, it's basically the "Perfect" of 2020, being a stripped-down duet by two artists with poor chemistry. Besides that though, the track's lyrics have been blasted for essentially romanticizing the pandemic, coming from the perspective of rich celebrities who don't have to bear the worst of it.
** Confirmed dishonorable mention.
* "Before You Go" by Lewis Capaldi (peaked at #9): It's pretty obvious Todd isn't that fond of Lewis Capaldi, but he said he only rates it a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1317320897313734657?s=20 4 out of 10]] and doesn't expect it to make the Worst list. However, he later [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1336963647256416257?s=20 mentioned]] the song in the same breath as Maroon 5's "Memories" as a song that invalidates a 100-track best list article, even at a low position, so it's well possible his opinion has since soured enough that the song will make his Worst list after all.
** Confirmed dishonorable mention.
* "Lovin' on You", "Forever After All", "Does to Me" (featuring Eric Church), and/or "Even Though I'm Leaving" by Luke Combs ("Lovin'" is #97 on Billboard's Year-End list, "Forever" peaked at #2, "Does" is #93 on the year-end list, and "Leaving" is #85 on the year-end list): Todd has spoken [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1237509098012151809?s=20 negatively]] about Luke Combs.
** "Lovin' on You" confirmed dishonorable mention, the others are jossed.
* "Party Girl" by [=StaySolidRocky=] (#64 on Billboard's Year-End list): Another sad rap song that Todd will probably find clumsy and/or dreary, and he has hinted that it [[https://twitter.com/SpectrumPulse/status/1317325684587581440?s=20 might]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1317326164654878720?s=20 show up]].
** Confirmed #3.
* "THE SCOTTS" by Travis Scott and Kid Cudi (peaked at #1): Todd said even after listening to it several times, he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1269166740459737088?s=20 cannot tell you even the tiniest thing about it]]. This makes it seem likely to make the Worst list at the end of the year for similar reasons that the Jonas Brothers made his Worst of 2019 list.
** Jossed, but used as the end credits theme for the Worst list.
* "Go Crazy" by Chris Brown & Young Thug (peaked at #9): Even in 2020, Chris Brown is still having hits. However, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1328640931407380481?s=20 this]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1328641678551392258?s=20 suggests]] it's not especially likely to make the video.
** Jossed.
* "ROCKSTAR" by [=DaBaby=] feat. Roddy Ricch (peaked at #1): Although Todd likes [=DaBaby=], he thinks this song is [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1272195262610640897?s=20 far inferior]] to the N.E.R.D. song of the same name, so it doesn't seem destined for his Best list like "INTRO" was.
** Jossed.
* "In Between" by Scotty [=McCreery=]: Todd called it a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1277626421628805123?s=20 stupid idea for a song]]. Since it wasn't a real hit though, it's only eligible for the dishonorable mentions section.
** Jossed.
* "One Margarita" by Luke Bryan (peaked at #19): While it's not as generally despised as "Knockin' Boots", Todd has never seemed to be impressed by Luke Bryan, and he thinks the song is [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1280964864849129474?s=20 aimed at the anti-quarantine crowd]].
** Confirmed #8.
* "Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)" by Jawsh 685 x Jason Derulo (peaked at #1): Apparently, Jason Derulo is still a thing. After several years of him being one of Todd's least favorite pop stars, this almost certainly won't be the track to turn his opinion around. He [[https://twitter.com/HarryLarry1350/status/1314018538084986881?s=20 liked]] a tweet calling it a [=TikTok=] cash in when he asked his followers what they considered to be the worst song of the year. Expect him to only include the original, rather than the BTS remix, due to his fear of BTS's infamous Stan army and Derulo being the artist Todd hates, anyway.
** Confirmed #2. The BTS remix is mentioned, but Todd mostly expressed his fear at BTS's power, to get Derulo to top the charts again.
* "Here and Now" by Kenny Chesney (peaked at #38): Todd thinks it's [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1280959756837040130?s=20 absolutely]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1280969149787844610?s=20 awful]] because it's so insultingly oblivious to the times. While it wasn't a big hit, he may find it so emblematic of 2020's awfulness that he'll give it a dishonorable mention, anyway.
** Jossed, but mentioned during the "One Margarita" segment, though Todd considered "Margarita" worse.
* "WHATS POPPIN" by Jack Harlow (peaked at #2): Sounds like Todd's [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1283566279203454976?s=20 not a fan]].
** Jossed.
* "Mood" by [[{{Music/TwentyFourKGoldn}} 24kGoldn]] featuring Iann Dior (peaked at #1): Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1305593097116553216 is not a fan]] and [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1305594022254186496 doesn't see why]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1305595311813873664 anyone would defend it.]] He all but confirmed the song's inclusion [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1317337135238688770?s=20 here]], even hinting that it will show up near the top. With "I Love My Country" ineligible, this seems like the likeliest candidate for the #1 spot, considering how savage he was to it on Twitter, even though he has already gotten a lot of backlash for his opinion.
** Confirmed #4. A major part of Todd actually considers it #1, but he held back on his official ranking because he suspected part of his hatred was just how puzzled he was by the track's overwhelming popularity.
* "Popstar" by DJ Khaled featuring Drake (peaked at #3): Todd is [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1305881368480505857?s=20 confused]] by its strong chart performance, and [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1305914410880307201?s=20 this]] confirms it's not a positive confusion. [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1308456574709411840?s=20 This tweet]], in particular, seems to guarantee it will make the Worst list.
** Confirmed #5.
* "I Love My Country" by Florida Georgia Line (peaked at #40): These guys are still around, and this is one of their worst-reviewed songs to date. Considering Todd's disgust towards blind decadence in such a dire time for world events, it's not likely this will rub him the right way. Like "One Margarita", he'll probably call it a quintessential anti-quarantine anthem. Most critically, he liked [[https://twitter.com/PossibleCabbage/status/1314001066275594241?s=20 two]] [[https://twitter.com/anorableee/status/1314020125717258240?s=20 responses]] mentioning the track when he asked his Twitter followers what they considered to be the worst song of the year. However, while Todd said to expect this high on his worst list on ''Song vs. Song'', it failed to make the year-end Hot 100, so it's only eligible for a dishonorable mention.
** Confirmed dishonorable mention. Todd mentioned it would've been his #1 pick had it been eligible.
* "death bed (coffee for your head)" by Powfu featuring beabadoobee (#43 on Billboard's Year-End list): Even though Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1269142062995312640?s=20 likes]] the chorus, his Pop Song Review of the song was otherwise so disparaging that the track is still pretty likely to make the Worst List video. He called Powfu one of the worst rappers ever and, as he had [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1276036246490447875?s=20 hinted]] on [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1276037061259268096?s=20 Twitter]], found the song's verses insultingly simplistic for such a serious topic.
** Jossed.
* "Holy" by Justin Bieber featuring Chance the Rapper (peaked at #3): Todd has expressed his dislike of Justin Bieber countless times before, so it's especially unlikely that his stab at contemporary Christian-tinged music is going to change his mind.
** Jossed.
* "Got What I Got" by Jason Aldean (peaked at #16): Todd might find it misogynistic or at least just annoying in its attitude.
** Jossed.
* "Said Sum" by Moneybagg Yo (peaked at #17): Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1332015662659559424?s=20 asked]] his Twitter followers what they thought of the song and [[https://twitter.com/over_short/status/1332018176096395264?s=20 liked]] a response calling it generic.
** Jossed.
* "If the World Was Ending" by JP Saxe featuring Julia Michaels (#56 on Billboard's Year-End list): It's been featured in several other people's Worst list and its likely that Todd would also find it dreary and sloppily-written. Not to mention, he put Julia Michaels' "Issues" as a dishonorable mention on the 2017 Worst list.
** Jossed.
* "Monster" by Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber (peaked at #8): The mere presence of Justin Bieber is probably enough to deny this song Best list potential, but its overall reception has been fairly subpar, anyway.
** Jossed.
* "Lose You to Love Me" by Selena Gomez (peaked at #1): It missed the Worst list last year, but it could still appear on this one because Todd made a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1216613546802536448?s=20 scathing]] comment about it after the list came out.
** Jossed.
* "Ice Cream" by Blackpink and Selena Gomez (peaked at #13): Todd likely won't put this on the list out of fear of angering K-pop stans, but its reception has nevertheless been polarizing and Selena's presence alone would likely keep it out of the Best list.
** Confirmed #9.
* "One of Them Girls" by Lee Brice (peaked at #17): It's another meat-headed country song with a less-than-PC message. Its reliance on Pop Song Chords certainly doesn't help.
** Jossed.
* "Walk Em Down" by NLE Choppa featuring Roddy Ricch (#100 on Billboard's Year-End list): Considering this is the very last song to make Billboard's Year-End list and it was boosted by [=TikTok=], Todd may consider it the ultimate example of a song that fluked its way into being a hit. Its chorus is pretty repetitive, too.
** Jossed.
* "Hot" by Young Thug featuring Gunna (peaked at #11): Young Thug doesn't seem to have made much of an impression on Todd yet, and Todd will probably find this song repetitive.
** Jossed.
* "GREECE" by DJ Khaled featuring Drake (peaked at #8): Although Todd has already hinted that he despises "Popstar", this hasn't been too warmly received, either.
** Jossed.
* "HIGHEST IN THE ROOM" by Travis Scott (peaked at #1): Todd feels Travis [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1339380743475142658?s=20 barely has an identity]], so a solo hit of his isn't likely to go over well for him.
** Jossed, but used as the end credits music for the Best list.
[[WMG: Could go either way]]
* "The Bones" by Maren Morris (peaked at #12): While Todd isn't a fan of Maren Morris, he expressed joy in the "I Hope" Pop Song Review that women are scoring real country hits again after being so underrepresented in the late 2010s.
** Jossed for both lists, but used as the piano intro for the Best list.
* "You Should Be Sad" by Halsey (#82 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd could either respect this for its personal lyrics or feel underwhelmed by its genre-straddling production and reliance on [[TheFourChordsOfPop Pop Song Chords]].
** Jossed for both lists, but used as the bumper theme for the Worst list.
* "I Love Me" by Demi Lovato (peaked at #18): Despite being a SelfEmpowermentAnthem, Todd may appreciate it for displaying more vulnerability than other songs of the same theme. However, the production may hold it back for him.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Turks" by Nav and Gunna feat. Travis Scott (peaked at #17): Todd was surprised this became a top 20 hit, but his opinion on the song is unknown.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Chasin' You" by Morgan Wallen (peaked at #16): Todd could either see it as an honest account of self pity or an uncomfortable stalker song.
** Jossed for both lists, but implied to be a song Todd loves in the Best list.
* "Roses (Imanbek Remix)" by [=SAINt=] JHN (peaked at #4): While Todd probably wouldn't find much value in its novelty of pitching up a trap song and giving it a disco/EDM beat, he contrasted it to "Toosie Slide" to explain how undanceable the latter is, so it's possible he actually enjoys this in its strangeness.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Blueberry Faygo" by Lil Mosey (peaked at #8): Although Todd mostly endorses young talent on the pop charts right now, his opinion of Lil Mosey is unknown.
** Jossed for both lists. Todd mentioned it as an example of harmless radio filler in his Worst list.
* "Toosie Slide" by Drake (peaked at #1): If the ''Scorpion'' album already screamed complacency to Todd, this went the extra mile. In his Pop Song Review of the track, he called it the anthem of the quarantine, meaning it's completely worthless in any other context. That said, he later began to [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1276283270859231237?s=20 reconsider]] his opinion on the song, so it's not impossible for it to become a surprise favorite of his by the end of the year.
** Jossed for both lists.
* Any of Lil Baby's 2020 hits aside from "The Bigger Picture" and "Emotionally Scarred" ("Sum 2 Prove" peaked at #16, "Woah" peaked at #15, "We Paid" featuring 42 Dugg peaked at #10, and "Heatin' Up" featuring Gunna peaked at #18): Todd has traditionally disliked Lil Baby, but he has hinted to loving "The Bigger Picture" and "Emotionally Scarred", so his opinion of his work as a whole may improve.
** "We Paid" confirmed dishonorable mention.
* "GOOBA" by 6ix9ine (peaked at #3): Todd almost put "GUMMO" on his Worst list in 2018 but spared Tekashi because a part of him appreciated his over-the-top delivery in the age of mumble rap. In his "Trollz" Pop Song Review, he called this both Tekashi's best and worst song at the same time, so it might pull an "Anaconda" and appear on both the Best ''and'' Worst list videos.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Come & Go" by Juice WRLD x Marshmello (peaked at #17): While Todd has warmed up to Juice WRLD since his passing, he vehemently despises Marshmello.
** Jossed for either list, though he said on Twitter that [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1350542569109823488 he considered making it an honorable mention]] but was too tired to put much thought into his honorable mentions.
* "Be Like That" by Kane Brown with Swae Lee & Khalid (peaked at #19): Todd put "One Thing Right" on his Worst list in 2019, but that was pretty much purely due to Marshmello, not Kane Brown. Additionally, he likes both Swae Lee and Khalid. He's still not one for country-pop mashups aside from "Old Town Road", however.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Wonder" by Shawn Mendes (peaked at #18): While Shawn Mendes has grown on Todd, he still has yet to make his Best list aside from "There's Nothin' Holding Me Back" getting an honorable mention for 2017.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Kings & Queens" by Ava Max (peaked at #13): Todd gave "Sweet But Psycho" a dishonorable mention on last year's Worst list, but on Twitter, he made a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1316899959120117760?s=20 mixed comparison]] between Ava and Meghan Trainor, stating she at least had an identity even though he's not a big fan. This song in particular is generally better received than "Sweet But Psycho", but Todd may still find it too unoriginal due to its similarities to Bonnie Tyler's "If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man)".
** Jossed for both lists, but Todd later stated he had considered putting it on the Worst list.
* "Laugh Now, Cry Later" by Drake feat. Lil Durk (peaked at #2): Todd thinks Drake tends to be at his best when he leans into his melancholia, and he may feel more comfortable praising this than "Toosie Slide". He's still pretty fatigued by Drake's endless torrent of mostly similar-sounding hits, though.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "I Hope" by Gabby Barrett (peaked at #3): Although Todd said the song makes him feel [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1276175634016894983 "real icky."]], his Pop Song Review noted that in many ways it's actually a massive improvement over its spiritual predecessor, "Before He Cheats" (which he no longer despises) and that he totally got the track in the aftermath of the 2020 election. However, he ultimately still doesn't like it due to its excessive lyrical details.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Lonely" by Justin Bieber & benny blanco (peaked at #14): Todd has stated Bieber is one of his least favorite pop singers ever, incapable of projecting any emotion aside from dickishness. That said, while he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1327320256428134400?s=20 affirmed that the song does indeed fall emotionally flat to him, he also finds something endearing about its failure]].
** Confirmed #10 worst.
* "One Man Band" by Old Dominion (peaked at #20): It's distinct from all the bro-country and Dan + Shay-style love songs dominating Nashville these days, but it's possible Todd would consider its lyrics too corny.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Slide" by H.E.R. featuring YG (#99 on Billboard's Year-End list): In 2020, Todd might feel this song's mood hits the nail on the head, but it's also possible he'd just consider it dull, not to mention it's unlikely he'd be impressed by YG's verse.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Homesick" by Kane Brown (#89 on Billboard's Year-End list): Although Todd's feelings about boyfriend country are mixed, this song seems like it would lyrically connect with him. However, he may also scorn the second verse for similar reasons he despised "7 Years" and "Memories", that being its self-congratulatory details tossed in the middle of an intentionally solemn song.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Juicy" by Doja Cat and Tyga (#87 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd has been warming up to Doja Cat, but Tyga's there.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Suicidal" by YNW Melly featuring Juice WRLD (peaked at #20): While the presence of a deceased artist on this song may cause Todd to find it much more tragic, the track's handling of the theme of suicide has been divisive at best.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Heart on Ice" and/or "[=Rags2Riches=]" (featuring ATR [=SonSon=]) by Rod Wave ("Heart" was #51 on Billboard's Year-End list, "Rags" peaked at #12): Another [=TikTok=] rapper who Todd could either find charming or undeserving of widespread success.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Roxanne" by Arizona Zervas (peaked at #4): It didn't appear on either list last year, but Todd found it to be a huge earworm, so after having thought about it plenty more, he could've either grown fonder of it or lost all tolerance for it.
** Jossed for both lists. Todd mentioned it as an example of radio filler in his Worst list.
* "Hawái (Remix)" by Maluma and The Weeknd (peaked at #12): It's similar to "Despacito (Remix)" in that it's a huge reggaeton hit that achieved crossover success in the American pop market thanks to the help of a Canadian superstar. While Todd likes the Weeknd for the most part nowadays, he might feel he doesn't add much to this style of music.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Hard to Forget" by Sam Hunt (#69 on Billboard's Year-End list): Although Todd hated "Body Like a Back Road", he said this song was [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1317326164654878720?s=20 overhated]]. It's possible his opinion has since evolved, though, whether for the better or worse.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "10,000 Hours" by Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber (peaked at #4): While Todd isn't in love with boyfriend country, he at least appreciates that it's not bro-country.
** Jossed for both lists.
[[WMG: Guesses for the 2020 Best/Worst of the Year piano intro + end credits music]]
* "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd: Todd thinks it sounds great, but also finds [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1272063121008590848?s=20 difficulty]] feeling emotionally attached to it.
* "Say So" by Doja Cat: See "Blinding Lights". This song is somewhat likelier to make the best list though because [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1272066381517897733?s=20 Todd was impressed by the remix with Nicki Minaj]].
** Presumably jossed as a piano intro because Mr. 96 already used a piano rendition of the song as the bumper theme for his Worst list.
* "The Box" by Roddy Ricch: It was #1 on the charts for eleven weeks, yet Todd has been silent on it aside from mentioning how it was a [=TikTok=] hit that kept "Yummy" from reaching #1. It doesn't have particularly strong overall reception one way or the other, so it's not likely to make either of his lists.
* "Life Is Good" by Future feat. Drake: Todd likes it more than "THE SCOTTS", but it's not likely he'd enjoy it enough to put it on his best list, either.
* "Rockstar" by [=DaBaby=] feat. Roddy Ricch: It was a #1 hit, but [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1272193168163954688?s=20 this]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1272195262610640897?s=20 suggests]] he doesn't consider it anything special.
* "Watermelon Sugar" by Harry Styles: This is Harry's first #1 hit, but while it's generally considered to be a good song, it's not quite as beloved as "Adore You".
* "WHATS POPPIN" by Jack Harlow: Todd apparently doesn't like it, but there are probably other tracks he despises more in 2020.
* "Intentions" by Justin Bieber featuring Quavo: Todd implied that he found it extremely boring, but he later stated he found amusement in its ridiculous lyrics, so he may find it too harmless to put on the Worst list proper. Since it was a huge hit, it may be used as piano intro music instead.
* "The Bones" by Maren Morris: This has been one of the biggest country hits of the year, but it's unlikely to appear on either of Todd's lists.
** Confirmed piano intro for the Best list.
* "My Oh My" by Camilla Cabello featuring [=DaBaby=]: Todd said it wasn't bad enough to be genuinely horrible, but still bad enough to be amusing. Since it was a huge hit, it seems likely to appear as music in the piano intro or end credits of his Worst list.
* "Before You Go" by Lewis Capaldi: Todd doesn't like Lewis Capaldi but [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1317320897313734657?s=20 hinted]] that this probably won't make his Worst list.
* "Lemonade" by Internet Money & Gunna featuring Don Toliver & NAV: It's likelier to appear on the Best list because it has been mostly well-received and lacks anything particularly Worst list-worthy, but Todd will likely find it too standard to make his Best list.
* "Laugh Now, Cry Later" by Drake feat. Lil Durk: It peaked at #2, but Todd ranks it in the [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1308456574709411840?s=20 middle]] among Drake's 2020 hits, so it's definitely in contention.
** Confirmed piano intro for the Worst list.
* "Go Crazy" by Chris Brown & Young Thug: Todd only rates it a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1328641678551392258?s=20 5/10]] despite his [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1328640931407380481?s=20 hatred of Chris Brown]].
* "ily (i love you baby)" by Surf Mesa featuring Emilee: It's just a dance song built around "Can't Take My Eyes Off You", but it would be ideal as a credits theme.
* "Roses (Imanbek Remix)" by [=SAINt=] JHN: Another track that seems ideal for a credits theme.
* "Dynamite" by BTS: Despite loving it at first, Todd only rates it a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1342963913793662978?s=20 6/10]] and considers BTS' other new songs better. As a #1 hit, it's a definite contender for the Best list's piano intro.
Worst list end credits theme was "THE SCOTTS" by Travis Scott and Kid Cudi.
Best list end credits theme was "HIGHEST IN THE ROOM" by Travis Scott.\\
\\
[[WMG: Guesses for the 2020 Worst of the Year bumper music]]
* "Don't Start Now" by Dua Lipa: These songs have run out of time to win Todd over.
* "Laugh Now, Cry Later" by Drake feat. Lil Durk: These songs can laugh while they chart high, but will have to cry upon making Todd's Worst list.
** Presumably jossed, due to already being used as the bumper theme for [=Cicabeot1=]'s Worst list for 2020.
* "Lonely" by Justin Bieber & benny blanco: The word 'lonely' is basically 2020 in a nutshell.
* "I Hope" by Gabby Barrett: Todd hopes history will backstab these songs after being so kind to them initially.
* "hot girl bummer" by blackbear: The first few seconds of this song would be pretty apt, though due to [=YouTube's=] stricter policy on strong language, Todd may not be able to use it repeatedly as the bumper theme (though he could use the clean version instead if necessary).
* "Supalonely" by BENEE ft. Gus Dapperton: Like "Lonely", this song's chorus bluntly exemplifies 2020.
* "Toosie Slide" by Drake: Todd called it the anthem of the quarantine, so he might consider it ideal for the bumper theme.
* "Heartless" by The Weeknd: Todd is heartless to these songs.
* "Walk Em Down" by NLE Choppa featuring Roddy Ricch: Todd is gonna walk these songs down.
* "Rain On Me" by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande: "I'd rather be dry but at least I'm alive" could be a more positive sentiment for an an awful year and its awful songs.
Worst list bumper theme was "You Should Be Sad" by Halsey.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Year-End Predictions (2021)]]
[[WMG: Best]]
* "Levitating" by Dua Lipa (peaked at #2): 2020 was a little too crowded with songs Todd liked, but Dua may have a second chance with this song, which is a much bigger hit in 2021 than it was in 2020. Due to the controversy surrounding comments [=DaBaby=] made in July (which Dua Lipa herself openly criticized), expect Todd to only count the solo version of the track instead of the remix.
** It was jossed. Todd mentioned it sounded good but that he was never considering putting it on his list.
* "Good Days" by SZA (peaked at #9): Todd likes SZA, so he may be glad to see her get a hit that has nothing to do with Maroon 5.
** Confirmed #7.
* "Save Your Tears" by The Weeknd (peaked at #1): Todd likes The Weeknd now, so this seems like it has a shot. Probably only the original version though, since Todd hates guest star remixes in general.
** Jossed, but used as the transition music for the Worst list.
* "34+35" by Ariana Grande (peaked at #2): It missed last year's list, but Todd is a fan of hers, so he might give this a mention as it was more of a hit in 2021.
** It was jossed.
* "Streets" by Doja Cat (peaked at #16): Todd seems to be on board with Doja Cat and unlike "Say So", this track has the advantage of not having a writing credit from Dr. Luke, so it might have a shot.
** It was jossed, with Todd stating Doja Cat left him cold this year.
* "My Ex's Best Friend" by Machine Gun Kelly x blackbear (peaked at #20): Todd spoke positively about it in the Worst of 2020 video, so he could finally give this a spot now that it's qualified for this year's best list.
** Confirmed #8.
* "drivers license" by Music/OliviaRodrigo (peaked at #1): In his review, Todd said that he wouldn't have made this the hit of the decade given the choice, but felt it deserved to be successful regardless, and resonated thanks to the loneliness of the pandemic. He's also under the impression he'll like it even more by the end of the year too.
** It was jossed.
* "Girl Like Me" by Black Eyed Peas and Shakira: Todd apparently [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1365402073114677249?s=20 likes their synergy]]. It probably helps that the track was originally written back in 2008, before will.i.am went full autopilot. However, this wasn't a hit, so it's only eligible for an honorable mention.
** It was jossed.
* "Therefore I Am" by Billie Eilish (peaked at #2): This is her big hit of early 2021.
** It was jossed. Instead, Todd put "Your Power" at #2 on his list.
* "Up" by Cardi B (peaked at #1): Pretty predictable for Todd to love a Cardi song.
** It was jossed. Todd said it was good, but nowhere near as good as "Thot Shit".
* "Leave the Door Open" by Silk Sonic (peaked at #1): While Todd initially wasn't impressed by this when he first talked about the track on the Song vs. Song Grammys round-up, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1383641633208500230 it seems to have grown on him as of April 2021.]]
** Confirmed honorable mention.
* "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" by Lil Nas X (peaked at #1): Although Todd said he wasn't quite feeling this song in his Pop Song Review of it, he praised it for being groundbreaking as an explicit song by a black gay male and does not feel his own opinion should matter as a straight man. He also thinks it might eventually grow on him as Lil Nas X's previous hits did.
** It was jossed. Todd mentioned Lil Nas X's release this year was better as a full album, rather than as individual tracks.
* "Good 4 U" by Olivia Rodrigo (peaked at #1): After getting increasingly sick of '80s nostalgia pop, Todd may be delighted that finally, at long last, a legitimate 2000s throwback has gone to #1.
** It was jossed. Instead, Todd put "Brutal" at #10 on the list.
* "POV" by Ariana Grande (#87 on Billboard's Year-End list): It's Ariana Grande again, and this has been one of her best received singles to date.
** It was jossed.
* "Leave Before You Love Me" by Marshmello and Jonas Brothers (peaked at #19): In spite of Todd's distaste for both artists, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1407604868332744704 he enjoys this collaboration.]]
** Confirmed honorable mention.
* "Thot Shit" by Megan Thee Stallion (peaked at #16): Another hit by Megan Thee Stallion, and Todd would likely appreciate the song's subject matter for calling-out slut-shaming men after the backlash she got from conservative commentators for her guest appearance on "WAP". Also helping is that he called the [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1438374436701302784 "Ain't nobody come to see you Otis"]] line his vote for the Best Two Seconds of the year (so far).
** Confirmed #5.
* "Starting Over" by Chris Stapleton and/or "Hell of a View" by Eric Church ("Starting" and "Hell" are #53 and #91 on Billboard's Year-End list, respectively): [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1438969559516528641 Todd discussed]] being happy that "those two guys had hits this year" and called them his "favorites of the year" when replying to a tweet mentioning Stapleton and Church, which was most likely referring to these songs.
** Both confirmed honorable mentions.
* "Industry Baby" by Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow (peaked at #1): Though Todd isn't fully sold on either of these artists, he will probably adore the track's dive into the anxiety experienced by two guys who abruptly went from anonymous [=TikTok=] rappers to some of the biggest hitmakers around.
** Confirmed honorable mention.
* "Skate" by Silk Sonic (peaked at #14): Todd came to like their first hit, so he may end up impressed by this, too.
** It was jossed.
* "Things A Man Oughta Know" by Lainey Wilson (#96 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd has been happy to see more women breakthrough in Nashville, and reception to this track has been very solid.
** It was jossed.
* "Love Again" by Dua Lipa: While it failed to make the Year-End Hot 100, Todd may give this minor sleeper hit an honorable mention, as it's one of the best-received tracks from Dua Lipa's ''Future Nostalgia'' album.
** It was jossed.
* "Rumors" by Lizzo and Cardi B (peaked at #4): Todd viewed Lizzo pretty favorably in 2019, and has been very high on Cardi, so this is a sure contender for him to like.
** It was jossed.
* "Jail" by Kanye West (peaked at #10): Although Todd has been very critical of Kanye in recent years and ''Donda'' hasn't done much to change that, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1432040544738308100 he mentioned]] liking this song (along with "Come to Life") "a whole lot" when asked about his opinion on the album.
** It was jossed.
* "Traitor" by Olivia Rodrigo (peaked at #9): Todd has stated he likes Olivia Rodrigo, so chances are he'll single this out as a highlight of the year.
** It was jossed.
* "My Universe" by Coldplay and BTS (peaked at #1): While Todd's opinions on BTS' hits have been fairly mixed, he has generally liked Coldplay's pop material, so he might be happy to see the ARMY give them a #1 hit after several years away from the mainstream.
** It was jossed.
* "Willow" by Taylor Swift (peaked at #1): Todd really liked her last album ''Folklore'' and was a fan of Taylor's folk sound having put "Exile" on his best list the year before, so it's possible he might put this song on the list since it missed last years due to ''Evermore'' being a last minute release in 2020.
** It was jossed.
* "Easy On Me" by Adele (peaked at #1): Its not as universally-acclaimed as some of her other singles, but Todd would likely be more happier than not to see Adele back after many years.
** Confirmed #9.
* "Telepatía" by Kali Uchis (#49 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd casually played a clip of it during his "Fancy Like" review when explaining how [=TikTok=] introduced him to some of the best songs he's heard in years, so this could wind up being incredibly high on the best list.
** Confirmed #3.
* "Meet Me at Our Spot" by The Anxiety (peaked at #21): While Todd hasn't mentioned the song in particular, he did mention that Willow Smith is one of his favorite artists of 2021, so it could get an honorable mention.
** Confirmed #1 Best Hit Song of 2021 despite the fact that it made neither of his criteria (though it was #74 on 2022's Year-End list); Todd later [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1605247315417055233 confirmed]] that he was able to count it due to removing "[[Music/MichaelJackson Thriller]]" (which was in the Top 20 the week "Meet Me at Our Spot" peaked) from consideration
* "How Not to Drown" by CHVRCHES: In what was somewhat of a weaker year, CHVRCHES was one of the only notable pop acts this year to receive critical acclaim. Todd doesn't talk about them very often, but if he includes an honorable mention for best non-hit this year then they might make the cut.
** It was jossed.
* "Happier Than Ever" by Billie Eilish (peaked at #11): Another Billie Eilish track, and the reception to this has been especially positive.
** It was jossed.
* "Rapstar" by Polo G (peaked at #1): Although Todd's opinion on Polo G is unknown, he's shown to be kinder to recent hip-hop trends and this has been one of the most critically acclaimed hits of the year.
** It was jossed.
* "Positions" by Ariana Grande (peaked at #1): Even though it made the honorable mentions on last year's best list, Todd mentioned in his Worst of 2021 list that "abcdefu" could be on the worst list proper next year if it sticks around, so a similar case might happen for this.
** It was jossed.
[[WMG: Worst]]
* "Better Together" and/or "Forever After All" by Luke Combs ("Better" peaked at #15; "Forever" peaked at #2): He made Todd's dishonorable mentions section last year, and the well hasn't run dry for him yet.
** Both songs jossed.
* "Kings & Queens" by Ava Max (peaked at #13): Todd thinks it's [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1354128520268550144?s=20 terrible]] and [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1354129130166513666?s=20 almost put it on his Worst list for 2020]].
** It was jossed.
* "WITHOUT YOU" by The Kid LAROI (peaked at #8): Todd said he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1356500409066549253?s=20 despised every single song on a Spotify playlist based on "my ex's best friend"]], which included this track. He also dissed the Kid LAROI in the "Astronaut in the Ocean" Pop Song Review.
** Confirmed #4.
* "You Broke Me First" by Tate [=McRae=] (peaked at #17): Todd might find her a Billie Eilish knock-off. [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1384980592639451141?s=20 This]] doesn't bode well for it, especially considering the responses he liked.
** Confirmed #9.
* "Lifestyle" by Jason Derulo featuring Adam Levine: Just the idea of these two on a song together would certainly annoy Todd so much that even though it wasn't a hit, it could still get a dishonorable mention though sheer novelty alone.
** It was jossed.
* "Put Your Records On" by Ritt Momney (#93 on Billboard's Year-End list): While Todd's opinion on the Corinne Bailey Rae original is unknown, this cover has been panned over its questionable production choices.
** It was jossed.
* "Good Time" by Niko Moon (peaked at #20): Apparently, the bros are still a thing in Nashville, and this one is particularly blatant with its trend-hopping.
** It was jossed.
* "Beautiful Mistakes" by Maroon 5 ft. Megan Thee Stallion (peaked at #13): Well, well, well...just when Todd thought Adam Levine's reign of terror was over at long last, Megan Thee Stallion has come to rescue his career, just as Cardi did with "Girls Like You". As was the case with that track, Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1409802673868603394?s=20 dislikes it]] despite the presence of a rapper he loves and has [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1409803281962913797?s=20 basically confirmed]] it will make the cut.
** Confirmed #10.
* "Go Crazy" by Chris Brown & Young Thug (peaked at #3): Although Todd only found it mediocre at worst last year, the song's refusal to go away might cause it to sour on him enough to make his Worst list for 2021.
** It was jossed.
* "Heat Waves" by Glass Animals (peaked at #7 in 2021 and #1 in 2022): [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1383156616741068800 Todd has hinted at not liking it and even put the song on the same camp as SHAED's "Trampoline"]], which was #3 on his Worst list for 2019.
** Confirmed #8.
* "Follow You" by Imagine Dragons: While this was only a minor hit, Todd called the track "a disaster" on ''Song vs. Song'', and he later called it [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1411749711191494656 Imagine Dragons' worst single of all time]], which sounds like he despises it enough to make this prime dishonorable mention material.
** Confirmed dishonorable mention. Todd later said that if it was eligible, it likely would've been [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1503460911537098752 #2]].
* "Peaches" by Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar and Giveon (peaked at #1): Todd said the hook gets [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1400169565783425028?s=20 stupider and more annoying]] every time he hears it.
** Confirmed #5.
* "The Good Ones" by Gabby Barrett (peaked at #19): Todd called it crap in the "Fancy Like" Pop Song Review.
** It was jossed.
* "Lil Bit" by Nelly & Florida Georgia Line (#70 on Billboard's Year-End list): It's a reunion of the guys behind "Cruise (Remix)", which was #9 on Todd's Worst list for 2013, and he was not kind to this when he talked about it on ''Song vs. Song'', and Nelly calling himself "the black Tom Brady" could be a contender for worst two seconds of the year (even though the song released in late 2020 but didn't chart until this year).
** It was jossed.
* "Beat Box" by [=SpotemGottem=] (peaked at #12): While Todd has shown to be kinder to the modern-day hip-hop scene than in the past, he'll probably just see this as yet another forgettable track by a no-name rapper that only got big through a meme. It doesn't help that the song's chart success was additionally boosted by not one, but several guest star remixes.
** It was jossed, but it was used as the credits music for the Worst list.
* "Glad You Exist" by Dan + Shay (#64 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd mentioned [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1363195914450468864 hating the new Dan + Shay track]] back in February, which was likely referring to this, and later called the [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1408136689218850817 "yeah yeah" parts]] in the song his vote for the Worst Two Seconds of the year (so far). He also confirmed that he thinks it's [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1430299849681899527 their worst song ever]], so expect this to get a high spot.
** Confirmed #3.
* "Wasted on You" by Morgan Wallen (peaked at #9): Todd responded to a tweet [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1408138619055841282 regarding the part where the trap hi-hats come in]], calling it worse than "Good Time". Despite Todd still being uncomfortable discussing Wallen though following the n-word controversy, he might reduce it to either a dishonorable mention or leave it off entirely.
** It was jossed.
* "Bad Habits" by Ed Sheeran (peaked at #2): If Todd felt "Perfect" and "I Don't Care" made Ed Sheeran look generic, then this, an average dance-pop tune with little of his unique characteristics present, surely isn't impressing him as [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1427668047733563398 this tweet]] hinted, calling it Ed's attempt at making a Maroon 5 song.
** Confirmed dishonorable mention, though only because of the video.
* "Fancy Like" by Walker Hayes (peaked at #3): This has been one of the most criticized country songs in recent memory for its monogenre production, trashy lyrics, and Hayes' mugging, and Todd's Pop Song Review panned it.
** Confirmed #6.
* "Am I The Only One" by Aaron Lewis (peaked at #14): It's a song that claims right-wing people are oppressed and whines about the "liberal media". Considering Todd's own political views, it's no surprise that his Pop Song Review of the track utterly thrashed it, especially for its racist defense of Confederate statues. Even taking personal disagreements out of the equation, Todd thought the song falls flat due to its whininess and insincerity, stating even Tom [=MacDonald=] has more of a point to his music. All things considered, this seems like the clear frontrunner for #1.
** Confirmed #1 worst hit song of 2021.
* "Drinkin' Beer. Talkin' God. Amen." by Chase Rice featuring Florida Georgia Line (#99 on Billboard's Year-End list): Another widely panned song featuring Florida Georgia Line, this time by the cowriter of "Cruise".
** It was jossed.
* "One Too Many" by Keith Urban and P!nk (#81 on Billboard's Year-End list): This isn't bro or boyfriend-country, but its production is highly pop-oriented and Todd hasn't been impressed with P!nk's output for a while.
** It was jossed.
* "Arcade" by Duncan Laurence (#82 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd's [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1396225977248673792 comments about it on Twitter]] and in the Eurovision Song vs Song podcast special suggests this will get a dishonourable mention at the very least, but it will probably make the list itself.
** Confirmed #2.
* "Way 2 Sexy" by Drake feat. Future and Young Thug and/or "Girls Want Girls" by Drake feat. Lil Baby ("Sexy" peaked at #1, "Girls" peaked at #2): [[https://twitter.com/shadowtodd/status/1441178729946910728?s=21 Todd hated Drake's latest album]] and mentioned how there weren't even any highlights on the record, so any chances of a track from ''Certified Lover Boy'' getting a spot on the Best list are off the table. These two songs in particular seem to be most likely to make the list given that the former has been the one with the most chart success so far and the latter was infamously received for the baffling premise of Drake and Lil Baby getting turned on and comparing themselves to lesbians.
** "Way 2 Sexy" confirmed #7, "Girls Want Girls" jossed, with Todd mentioning that at least people had things to say about that song, unlike the former.
* "Summer of Love" by Shawn Mendes & Tainy: Todd considers it [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1451608110116728832 one of his absolute worst]], calling it ''[[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1451608663014076417 worse]]'' than Music/TheBeachBoys' song of the same name. However, since it wasn't a hit, it's only eligible for a dishonorable mention.
** Confirmed dishonorable mention.
* "Mood" by 24kGoldn featuring Iann Dior: Even though it made the worst list proper last year, Todd's absolute hatred of it could possibly be a factor of this getting a dishonorable mention this year, considering it made the Year-End Top 5.
** It was jossed.
* "Let's Go Brandon", two songs by Losa Alexander and by Bryson Gray ft. Tyson James & Chandler Crump: Although both of these songs were very short lived on the charts, Todd might include them as dishonorable mentions just to call out the inclusion of politics and anti-Biden related subjects in charting tracks.
** Jossed, though they were mentioned while Todd was discussing his #1 pick.
[[WMG: Could Go Either Way]]
* "Anyone" by Justin Bieber (peaked at #6): Despite Todd's hatred of Justin Bieber as a singer, this is easily his most positively received single since the ''Purpose'' era, and his unfolding story may intrigue Todd in the same way that he at least admired "Lonely" in spite of its failure.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "What's Next" by Drake (peaked at #1): Todd's feelings about Drake have been incredibly hit-or-miss as of late. In some cases, he can still highly impress him with tracks like "Nice for What" or "Life Is Good", but on the flip side, Todd abhorred "Popstar" and "GREECE" and fears that Drake is turning into a dad-joke rapper like Eminem.
** It was jossed for both lists, but used as the credits music for the best list.
* "We're Good" by Dua Lipa (#90 on Billboard's Year-End list): It's another song by Dua Lipa, who Todd felt horrible to omit from his top 10 Best list last year, but this song's reception is nowhere near as good as the singles from the base edition of ''Future Nostalgia''.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Butter" and/or "Permission to Dance" by BTS (both peaked at #1): On one hand, Todd loved "Boy with Luv" and has enjoyed funky dance-pop like this a lot in the past. However, disco beats seem to have lost their novelty to him in recent years, not to mention he has the bravery to bash K-pop, having put "Ice Cream" at #9 on his Worst of 2020 list and even speaking lukewarmly about BTS' first #1, "Dynamite", which is similar to "Butter". In "Permission to Dance"'s case, not only was it divisive even among their fanbase, it was also accused of chart manipulation.
** Both songs jossed for both lists. Todd mentioned that while the former sounded good, he never considered putting it on the Best list.
* "Kiss Me More" by Doja Cat feat. SZA (peaked at #3): While Todd likes SZA and was starting to warm up to Doja Cat, this is another song that involves Dr. Luke. Also, the chorus interpolates "Physical" by Music/OliviaNewtonJohn, whom Todd hates.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Stay" by The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber (peaked at #1): Todd despises both of them, though this track has been considerably better-received than the majority of both artists' output. So far, he felt that [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1425558808424714240 the song avoided the worst traits of both artists but that the song should be offered to someone who's midway between them]].
** Jossed, though he mentioned liking more than disliking it during the #4 song on the Worst list.
* "On Me" by Lil Baby and/or "Every Chance I Get" by DJ Khaled ft. Lil Baby & Lil Durk ("On Me" peaked at #15; "Every" peaked at #20): Despite disliking Lil Baby at first, Todd hinted in the "Astronaut in the Ocean" Pop Song Review that he's much more generally impressed by him in 2021 than in previous years.
** "Every Chance I Get" confirmed honorable mention.
* "Astronaut in the Ocean" by Masked Wolf (peaked at #6): In his Pop Song Review of the track, Todd admitted to initially loving it for its hook but then took a ton of issue with the lyrics upon inspecting the track more closely. By the end of the year, he could either stop caring about the lyrics or grow so repulsed by them that they completely undermine whatever positives he originally found.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Wild Side" by Normani featuring Cardi B (peaked at #14): Although Todd likes Cardi B, he has yet to be particularly impressed by Normani as a solo artist despite putting her collabs with Khalid and Sam Smith on his Best lists.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Late at Night" by Roddy Ricch (peaked at #20): Todd has been on board with Ricch, even nearly putting "Ballin'" on his top 10 Best list last year, but this track hasn't been as well-received as most of his hits from 2020.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Deju Vu" by Olivia Rodrigo (peaked at #3): Its reception has been superior to "drivers license", but Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1428038804514820110?s=20 criticized]] one of its lyrics due to the show business background of Olivia and her ex-boyfriend, suggesting the celebrity narrative may harm the track's effectiveness for him.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Beggin'" by Måneskin (peaked at #13): Todd would either be happy to see some genuine rock music on the charts after years of synth-heavy bands providing much of the crossover hits or find this track underproduced and Damiano's abrasive vocals unbearable. He did mention he enjoyed them a lot in the Eurovision Song vs Song special and that he thought they were worthy winners. However, this track isn't as well received as their other songs have been.
** It was jossed for both lists, though Todd brought them up in a mildly positive light during the Worst list.
* "Wants and Needs" by Drake feat. Lil Baby (peaked at #2): Though it's by the same duo responsible for "Yes Indeed", which ranked ''very'' high on Todd's Worst of 2018 list, he has hinted to warming up to Lil Baby in 2021.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "abcdefu" by Gayle (peaked at #15): Todd could either see this as a hardcore breakup track or view it as an inferior Olivia Rodrigo song, not to mention she gained fame with [=TikTok=] which he might resent.
** Confirmed dishonorable mention.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Year-End Predictions (2022)]]
[[WMG: Best]]
* "Sacrifice" by The Weeknd (peaked at #11): A heavily praised track by The Weeknd that much like "Can't Feel My Face", another song Todd favored, has drawn parallels to Michael Jackson's works. He said he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1501993544998813696 loves the guitar intro]] but the rest of the song was "good enough", and blamed its collapse following the debut on The Weeknd not giving people time to miss him while "Save Your Tears" and "One Right Now" were prominent.
** Similarly, "Out of Time", another highly praised track that came up short, could end up an honorable mention.
*** Both were jossed.
* "Do We Have a Problem?" by Nicki Minaj featuring Lil Baby (peaked at #2): This track has been received pretty well overall, and Todd's opinion of Lil Baby has warmed with time.
** It was jossed.
* "You Should Probably Leave" by Chris Stapleton (#79 on Billboard's Year-End list): Chris Stapleton has received a lot of fanfare in general, and helping is how "Starting Over" made an appearance in the previous year's Best list video. [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1550380313485840384 This tweet]] heavily indicates its possible inclusion.
** Confirmed #8.
* "Smokin' Out the Window" by Silk Sonic (#41 on Billboard's Year-End list): Another very well received Silk Sonic track.
** It was jossed.
* "I Hate U" by SZA (#50 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd's a fan of SZA, as shown by "Love Galore" and "Good Days" respectively appearing on the 2017 and 2021 Best lists, and this one's reception has been very positive.
** It was jossed.
* "As It Was" by Harry Styles (#2 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd has viewed Harry Styles' work rather favorably since his second album. Todd felt [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559582951506972672 extremely positively]] about this track and later said that the drum fill near the end of the song was one of his biggest picks [[https://twitter.com/shadowtodd/status/1584953184816009216 for best two seconds of the year]]. However, in the ''Song vs. Song'' podcast, he said that his interest in the track had waned by the end of 2022, in large part due to Harry's antics pertaining to ''Film/DontWorryDarling'', so it's unlikely to rank high on the list, if it even makes it at all.
** Confirmed #3.
* "Cooped Up" by Post Malone featuring Roddy Ricch (peaked at #12): He said the song "[[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1541807704896811010 was growing on him]]".
** It was jossed.
* "About Damn Time" by Lizzo (#12 on Billboard's Year-End list): A well-received disco throwback similar to Lizzo's earlier single "Juice", which was an honorable mention on his 2019 Best list and would've gotten a proper spot had it qualified. [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559580415534309376 This tweet]] bodes well for it, and [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1584953184816009216 here]] he mentions the opening "ANYWAYYYY" as one of his top choices for the best two seconds of the year.
** Confirmed #7.
* "Get Into It (Yuh)" by Doja Cat (#68 on Billboard's Year-End list): This song has made a slow push up the charts, and despite Todd being more ambivalent on her, this has been one of the better received tracks from ''Planet Her''.
** It was jossed.
* "Break My Soul" by Beyoncé (#38 on Billboard's Year-End list): He liked it in his "Break My Soul" vs "Falling Back" review and named "Oh baby baby" [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1584962539733286913 the best two seconds of the year]].
** Confirmed #4.
* "'Til You Can't" by Cody Johnson (#34 on Billboard's Year-End list): The lyrical sentiment on this one might resonate well with Todd.
** It was jossed.
* "Something in the Orange" by Zach Bryan (#39 on Billboard's Year-End list): Although Todd has yet to speak about this one, it's one of the most-acclaimed hits of the year so far.
** It was jossed, though it was mentioned when discussing his #10 pick for the Best list.
* "Easy Lover" by Ellie Goulding featuring Big Sean: Todd has liked some of Ellie Goulding's hits save "Close to Me", and a return of Big Sean is something he'll likely welcome. This could end up an honorable mention.
** It was jossed.
* "Wait for U" by Future ft. Drake & Tems (#11 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd gets Future as of the 2020 Best list, and he implied [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559580415534309376 here]] that this song is not going to appear in the Worst list video. He also noted that the song [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559581799516254208?s=20&t=1drDwfwhGu6j0QGNnXucoQ grew on him]] heavily.
** Confirmed Honorable Mention.
* "Bad Habit" by Steve Lacy (#28 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd may appreciate it for its rawness and alternative leanings, and since he said [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559580415534309376 "Staying Alive"]] and [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559580490062893056 "First Class"]] were the only bad songs in a top 10 list that included this track, it's pretty much guaranteed not to make the Worst list.
** Confirmed #2.
* "Bad Decisions" by benny blanco, BTS & Snoop Dogg (peaked at #10): [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559580415534309376 This tweet]] implies that Todd likes it at least enough to keep it off of the Worst list video. If it makes the Best list or gets an honorable mention, expect him to mention Snoop Dogg's longevity as a hitmaker (his first top 10 hit was nearly 3 full decades before this one).
** It was jossed.
* "I Ain't Worried" by [=OneRepublic=] (#37 on Billboard's Year-End list): While we haven't heard much of [=OneRepublic=] in the way of real hits in the mainstream in recent years, Todd said he's been able to appreciate them since "Counting Stars" in 2013. On Twitter, Todd said that this song is [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1552751009188835328 not better than a 6 at most, but that he's rooting for it anyway]], so it probably won't make the list proper, but might at least get an honorable mention.
** Used as the opening song for the Best list.
* "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift (peaked at #1): Aside from being the biggest song on ''Midnights'', this one in particular seems most representative of [[https://twitter.com/shadowtodd/status/1584565101461270529 what Todd likes about the album]]. On the ''Song vs. Song'' podcast, Todd stated he clearly prefers it over "As It Was", a song he already really enjoyed (albeit less than before), so this track seems all but guaranteed to make the Best list, likely near or at the top.
** Confirmed #1.
* Anything from ''The Loneliest Time'' by Carly Rae Jepsen: Todd had previously put "Run Away with Me", "Cut to the Feeling" and "Too Much" as honorable mentions on his best lists despite neither being hits, so it's extremely likely a song from this album will be included as well.
** It was jossed. Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1616846272270598148 later admitted]] that he could've had the title track as an honorable mention, but forgot about it.
* "Her", "Plan B", or "Pressurelicious" by Megan Thee Stallion: Though ''Traumazine'' flopped commercially, it got rave reviews, and Todd usually loves Megan, so he may give one of these tracks an honorable mention.
** All were jossed.
* "She's All I Wanna Be" by Tate [=McRae=] (#94 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1594867878477471744 considers it]] a vast improvement over "You Broke Me First" the previous year, and despite still not liking [=McRae=] as a vocalist, he thinks she sounds more heartfelt in this.
** Confirmed Honorable Mention.
* Anything eligible by Bad Bunny[[note]]"Me Porto Bonito" with Chenco Corleone was #20 on Billboard's Year-End list, "Tití Me Preguntó" was #22, "Moscow Mule" #44, "Efecto" #69, "Party" with Rauw Alejandro #77, "Después de la Playa" #78, and "Ojitos Lindos" with Bomba Estéros #87[[/note]]: As Todd noted in the ''Song vs. Song'' podcast, 2022 was a fantastic year for Bad Bunny, and his opinion of him as a musician seemed quite positive.
** All traditionally eligible songs were jossed. Todd instead gave the minor hit "Neverita" an Honorable Mention, saying he preferred it over the big hits from ''Un Verano Sin Ti''.
* "THATS WHAT I WANT" by Lil Nas X (#14 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd may consider it one of Lil Nas X's more "complete"-sounding songs, and its upbeat production might appeal to him.
** It was jossed.
* "She Had Me At Heads Carolina" by Cole Swindell (#46 on Billboard's Year-End list): Considering Todd grew up with country music in the '90s, this song's lyrics may appeal to him.
** It was jossed.
* "Doin' This" by Luke Combs (#71 on Billboard's Year-End list): Despite not liking Luke Combs, Todd says he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1468070197831471105 "kinda likes"]] this song.
* "Never Say Never" by Cole Swindell with Lainey Wilson (#92 on Billboard's Year-End list): Despite country music's dominance on the 2022 Year-End list, this is one of the only eligible songs with a female vocalist. Considering how bored Todd has been by boyfriend country, he may find this track's soaring production a breath of fresh air.
** It was jossed.
* "Circles Around This Town" by Maren Morris (#100 on Billboard's Year-End list): After being delighted by the return of country music women to the pop charts in 2020, Todd may give special mention to this track for being the ''only'' solo female country song to make the Year-End list[[note]]Unless you count "All Too Well (Taylor's Version)"[[/note]] in a year dominated by males, and even then, just barely.
** It was jossed.
* "HEARTFIRST" by Kelsea Ballerini: Speaking of females in pop country, Todd has shown that he favors Kelsea Ballerini, including believing that she's deserved better for years and loving "Half of my Hometown". Although this song didn't chart, it's still a potential honorable mention.
** It was jossed.
* "Numb Little Bug" by Em Beihold (#32 on Billboard's Year-End list): [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1545888299914383360 Todd asked his followers what they thought about it]] (similar to "One Right Now" below) and received positive responses. Considering the song's lyrics describe anxiety and insecurity in-depth, Todd will likely find it both highly relatable as well as a captivating portrait of the zoomer mindset. He said he liked the song in the ''Song vs. Song'' podcast, so it will likely show up somewhere in the video.
** It did indeed show up in the Best list video...as the credits music. Otherwise, it was jossed.
* "Nobody Like U", "1 True Love", or "U Know What's Up" by [=4*Town=] (the former specifically peaked at #49): In the Worst list, Todd spoke positively about the songs Billie Eilish wrote for Disney this year, which presumably refers to these tracks from ''WesternAnimation/TurningRed''.
** It was jossed.
* Anything from ''SOS'' by SZA[[note]]"Kill Bill", "Nobody Gets Me", "Shirt", "Blind", "Low", "Love Language", "Seek & Destroy", "Snooze", "Used" feat. Don Toliver, "SOS", and "Special" all peaked within the top 20, excluding Christmas music from the charts[[/note]]: Todd called the album [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1606752278509228035?s=20&t=euKe9IuBZ7hoKFcmqEo9uA "insanely good"]] on Twitter. Even though the album came out super late in the year, Todd may work his favorite track into the Best list, anyway.
** Of the songs eligible, "Nobody Gets Me" in particular seems like it would appeal heavily to Todd, as he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1606819800713510915?s=20&t=euKe9IuBZ7hoKFcmqEo9uA specifically brought up]] that he loves when non-rock artists make rock songs[[note]]Or at least something a rock artist would record, in this case[[/note]], plus the track's lyrics may easily resonate with him.
** "Shirt" is also a very likely candidate, as it's another song about finding joy in miserable times, a recurring theme of Todd's Best list entries.
** "[=F2F=]", while not eligible for the list itself[[note]]it peaked at #32, not including Christmas music[[/note]] could likely receive an honorable mention, as it's the most overtly rock song on the album.
*** "Kill Bill" was confirmed as an Honorable Mention.
* "Bones" by Imagine Dragons (peaked at #47): Todd stated that he was [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1609245137183604736?s=20&t=lfNpHd8WjGdMVZAj9ew7qw more fond of Imagine Dragons' singles]] in 2022 than usual, and he called this track in particular [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1609249057612128257?s=20&t=lfNpHd8WjGdMVZAj9ew7qw ridiculous in a good way]].
** It was jossed.
* "Until I Found You" by Stephen Sanchez with or without Em Beihold (peaked at #38): Another fluke [=TikTok=] hit, which Todd may appreciate because of how unique it is in the present pop context, borrowing heavily from '50s doo-wop music.
** It was jossed.
* "Lift Me Up" by Rihanna (peaked at #2): It's Rihanna's first big single in several years, and Todd will probably find it a moving power ballad, especially as it pertains to the [[Film/BlackPantherWakandaForever movie]] that it came from.
** It was jossed.
* "So Good" by Halsey (peaked at #51): Todd agreed with a [[https://twitter.com/steelstepladder/status/1584959583281614850?s=20&t=unT5NW4krCSOBWDsTAcH0A Twitter reply]] calling "I know his name... I think about him every day" the best two seconds of the year, adding that [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1584962138841677825?s=20&t=unT5NW4krCSOBWDsTAcH0A "If there's any weight I carry"]] may be an even better moment from the same song. It wasn't a huge hit, but it charted higher than the Mitchell Tenpenny song that made his Worst list and came up just short of the Year-End list in part to 2021 hits and Christmas music, so this seems like a near-lock for the Best list.
** It was jossed.
* "We Cry Together" by Kendrick Lamar and Taylour Paige (peaked at #16): Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1613925624091148289?s=20&t=XVVthlJeR0Y5HSY3YRqxZw praised]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1613934436273516545?s=20&t=XVVthlJeR0Y5HSY3YRqxZw it]] on Twitter, suggesting he may be planning on including it on the Best list.
** It was jossed. Todd went with "The Heart Part 5" as his Kendrick pick instead.
There were four songs that made the Best list that nobody predicted: "Son of a Sinner" by Jelly Roll at #10, "F.N.F (Let's Go)" by Hitkidd and [=GloRilla=] at #9, "The Heart Part 5" by Kendrick Lamar at #6, and "23" by Music/SamHunt at #5.
[[WMG: Worst]]
* "abcdefu" by Gayle (#17 on Billboard's Year-End list): As he mentioned previously, there was the chance he could hate it more to the point where it'd end up on the list proper this time, especially after finding out [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1592568245965713408 it was nominated for a Grammy]], something that previously pushed both "7 Years" and "Yummy" to the top spot of their respective years' lists. If it makes it in, expect him to mention the story of the song supposedly being a marketing ploy forced on her by her record label.
** Confirmed #4. Also, the first bumper music of his to end up on the list.
* "Big Energy" by Latto (#7 on Billboard's Year-End list): [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1487483733955338241 Todd thinks]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1510628643344732163 it's awful]], and [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1510640448712314880 he later said]] that the sample is astonishingly lazy and obvious, Latto couldn't be more transparent about her commercialism, and any mention of "big dick energy" gets an immediate thumbs down. In the ''Song vs. Song'' podcast, Todd already had it nailed to the list. Expect this to be pretty high.
** Confirmed #3.
* "Fingers Crossed" by Lauren Spencer-Smith (#75 on Billboard's Year-End list): A petty teenage relationship drama song that is sure to bode badly with Todd.
** Confirmed Dishonorable Mention.
* "Buy Dirt" by Jordan Davis feat. Luke Bryan (#49 on Billboard's Year-End list): [[https://twitter.com/shadowtodd/status/1488578942055628800 He hates it]].
** It was jossed.
* "Sweetest Pie" by Megan Thee Stallion & Dua Lipa (#62 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd was pretty underwhelmed by it in his Pop Song Review, and feels that it's a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1510628643344732163 half-assed attempt to be Doja Cat]]. Although he didn't outright hate it at first, it's possible it will sour on him by year's end, due to its role in Megan Thee Stallion's commercially disappointing 2022.
** It was jossed, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1607481741672910851?cxt=HHwWhsC4tZKI9s4sAAAA he didn't dislike it enough]].
* "Emo Girl" by Machine Gun Kelly ft. Willow: This song has been widely panned for its juvenile lyricism combined with bad vocals from MGK himself. Todd referred to the song's chorus as a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1495846500840374276 disaster]], and he generally agrees with the consensus that the lyrics completely ruined the song. However, since it peaked at #77, it can only make it as far as the dishonorable mentions, barring a sudden late year resurgence.
** Confirmed Dishonorable Mention, Todd said that, had it qualified, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1607761989467512832?cxt=HHwWgICxmdvA9c8sAAAA it would've been #5]].
* "I Like You (A Happier Song)" by Post Malone featuring Doja Cat (#26 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd said he found it "very annoying" while mentioning "Cooped Up" above. The lines "cause I'm bout to pull this girl like a hammy" and "your heart's so big, but that ass is huge" could both be candidates for worst two seconds of the year.
** Confirmed #7.
* "AA" by Walker Hayes (#61 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd already bashed "Fancy Like", and while this one hasn't been quite as hated as Hayes' earlier hit, it's unlikely this will win him over.
** It was jossed.
* "psychofreak" by Camila Cabello ft. Willow: It wasn't a real hit, but since Todd [[https://twitter.com/newrockytweets/status/1551988094274048002 liked]] a tweet slamming it as the worst song of the year, it's probably a lock for the dishonorable mentions section. Expect Todd to criticize it for Camila's odd chemistry with Willow and inability to live up to the song title.
** It was jossed.
* "Falling Back" by Drake (peaked at #7): He wasn't kind to it in his "Break My Soul" vs "Falling Back" review.
** It was jossed.
* "Staying Alive" by DJ Khaled ft. Drake and Lil Baby (peaked at #5): Todd called it a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559580415534309376 "pretty big turd"]] on Twitter. Expect him to criticize its lazy sample of the Bee Gees song of the same name.
** Confirmed Dishonorable Mention.
* "First Class" by Jack Harlow (#6 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd said that it [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559580490062893056 "needs to go away already"]]. As with "Big Energy" and "Super Freaky Girl", he called it guilty of [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562859186735570944 "ultra-lazy"]] sampling, in this case of "Glamorous" by Fergie. In the 2022 MTV [=VMAs=] podcast he said that he initially liked it but the song grew off him a lot over time, so by December he could consider it a Worst List contender. Todd said on Twitter that [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1564503966146121728 his #9 pick wouldn't have made the list if he didn't have to hear it 6,000 times]], which could most likely be referring to this.
** Confirmed #9, and indeed what the Tweet was referring to.
* "Like I Love Country Music" by Kane Brown (#85 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd said it was one of his [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562134388711649280 least favorite Nashville songs]] of 2022, citing it as an irritating example of [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562132835175018502 "country stuff music"]].
** It was jossed.
* "Super Freaky Girl" by Nicki Minaj (#56 on Billboard's Year-End list): Despite his love of Nicki, Todd criticized it for its [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562859186735570944 ultra-lazy]] sample of Rick James' "Super Freak", the same song used for MC Hammer's "U Can't Touch This".
** It was jossed, though it was mentioned when discussing his #3 worst pick, saying that he only kept it out of the list "out of lingering affection for Nicki's superior skills".
* "Wasted on You" by Morgan Wallen (#19 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd was already [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1408138619055841282 not a fan of the song]], and while it missed last year's Worst list, its second wind in 2022 could have soured his opinion of it even further, as it has essentially reestablished Wallen as the biggest star in Nashville despite the racism scandal and there already being plenty of other male country singers with big hits this year[[note]]In contrast to females underperforming once again[[/note]].
** It was jossed.
* "You Proof" by Morgan Wallen (#27 on Billboard's Year-End list): It's one of Wallen's worst-received singles to date. Todd may find it to be an awkward premise for a drinking song, not helped by its production.
** It was jossed.
* "The Kind of Love We Make" by Luke Combs (#36 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd doesn't like Luke Combs.
** It was jossed.
* "I'm Good (Blue)" by David Guetta & Bebe Rexha (peaked at #7): It's yet another ultra-lazy sample, this time of "Blue (Da Ba Dee)", a song Todd didn't care for in the first place. But whereas he can at least respect the addictive stupidity of the Eiffel 65 original, this version has lyrics he'd surely consider incredibly flavorless, not helped by Bebe Rexha being the singer. He spoke negatively about it in the "Unholy" Pop Song Review, so it so far looks like a sure contender for the list.
** Confirmed #1.
* "5 Foot 9" by Tyler Hubbard (#67 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1574815360322134018 mentioned]] that although Hubbard's rid himself of the Trumpy half of [=FGL=], he's still not a good artist.
** It was jossed.
* "Boyfriend" by Dove Cameron (#51 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd said he didn't like it in the "Unholy" Pop Song Review, though considering he didn't have much strong to say about it beyond not thinking the "dark cabaret" aesthetic was sexy, it'll likely either be low on the list or a dishonorable mention.
** It was jossed.
* "Under the Influence" by Chris Brown (peaked at #12 in 2023): He's ''still'' not gone, even though like Sia's "Unstoppable", this is a 2010s song that got popular later thanks to [=TikTok=].
** It was jossed.
* "Made You Look" by Meghan Trainor (peaked at #12): Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1589673987738865664?s=20&t=gCwiVyBS4HzXUXs8PDCx7w stated]] that although he has a grudging respect for Meghan Trainor for her uniqueness, he thinks we really shouldn't have brought her back. Although it technically only peaked at #24 on the week of December 3, its actual position that week would have been #18 if you did not include the 6 Christmas songs above it, so by Todd's [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1605247315417055233?s=20&t=ohUuTe25Mj-jr2j8X4Ht3w updated rules]], it's eligible for the Worst list proper.
** Confirmed #6.
* "Creepin'" by Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, and 21 Savage: While this might be a bit too new for Todd to work it into his video, it's yet another song with an incredibly obvious sample, this time of "I Don't Wanna Know" by Mario Winans.
** It was jossed. Todd would later comment about it in his "[[Music/LukeCombs Fast Car]]" review, though.
* "Ghost" by Justin Bieber (#8 on Billboard's Year-End list): Bieber has been a constant presence on Todd's Worst lists over the past couple of years, and the sound of his voice was enough to prevent "Stay" with The Kid Laroi from making the 2021 Best list, so the chances of him truly enjoying this song are very slim.
** It was jossed.
* "Circo Loco" by Drake & 21 Savage: The song has garnered controversy over a line in Drake's verse allegedly dissing Megan Thee Stallion regarding her shooting incident in 2020, which similar to the "Savage" reference below, is unlikely to sit well with Todd. The "[[Music/DaftPunk One More Time]]" sample isn't likely to help either.
** It was jossed.
* "Broadway Girls" by Lil Durk feat. Morgan Wallen (#81 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd disliked "Wasted on You" due to its production, so it's unlikely that he'd enjoy this trap-country mashup featuring Morgan Wallen, either.
** Confirmed Dishonorable Mention.
* "Take My Name" by Parlamee (#82 on Billboard's Year-End list): Another boyfriend country song that Todd will surely find schlocky and insincere.
** It was jossed.
* "Trouble with a Heartbreak" by Jason Aldean (#88 on Billboard's Year-End list): Aldean's extremely problematic politics could be enough of a knock against this song's listenability for Todd that he puts it somewhere in his Worst list video.
** It was jossed.
* "Lovesick" by Maroon 5: In 2022, Adam Levine ''finally'' failed to have a hit of any kind throughout the year, but Todd may give it a dishonorable mention anyway, similar to "Nobody's Love" two years earlier.
** It was jossed, but Maroon 5 the name was included anyway with no song, as Todd had a placeholder, just in case.
* "Dah Dah [=DahDah=]" by Nardo Wick (peaked at #48): Although it didn't make the Year-End list, Todd may still count it based on his [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1605245770885894144 upgdated criteria]]. He specifically [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562859994583773185?s=20&t=fbBoQ6cvooS1LS5i2IBwBA singled]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562860836330168322?s=20&t=fbBoQ6cvooS1LS5i2IBwBA out]] this track as the worst "Tom's Diner" sample in a period oversaturated with them, so it will likely make the Worst list proper.
** It was jossed.
* "Betty (Get Money)" by Yung Gravy (peaked at #30): He said at first that he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562857963659751430 "had been trying to work out for months"]] how he felt about "Never Gonna Give You Up" being sampled by a white Soundcloud rapper, and declared that he's [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562859714676793345 "not sure that's excusable"]]. Even though it missed the Year-End list, Todd will almost certainly qualify it, since it peaked higher than several other tracks that did make the list, and its exclusion was simply due to the list's overabundance of Christmas and 2021 songs.
** It was jossed, though it was mentioned when discussing his #9 worst pick, where he thought it was "actually one of the better [uses of samples]".
* "True Love" by Kanye West and [=XXXTentacion=] (peaked at #22): To put it casually, 2022 wasn't exactly a great year for Kanye, but even ignoring his later controversies, this song in particular could strike Todd as particularly tasteless, since it repurposes posthumous vocals to be about Kanye's own personal problems rather than anything pertaining to [=XXXTentacion=]. The track did not make the top 20, but Todd will likely still qualify it for his list because of his broader criteria.
** It was jossed.
* "Thousand Miles" by The Kid LAROI (peaked at #15): Considering Laroi's voice was a primary factor that denied "Stay" a spot on the 2021 Best list, it's not likely Todd will enjoy this enough to make this year's Best list.
** It was jossed.
There was one song that made the Worst list that nobody predicted: "Truth About You" by Mitchell Tenpenny, at #2.
[[WMG: Could Go Either Way]]
* "Enemy" by Imagine Dragons & JID (#15 on Billboard's Year-End list): Even though Todd still thinks it's "[[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1481116820471906305 too Imagine Dragons-y]]" for his tastes, he thinks Imagine Dragons [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1481116938851926018 pull off an "everybody hates me" angle]] better than Music/TheChainsmokers.
** Confirmed Honorable Mention on the Best List.
* "One Right Now" by Post Malone & The Weeknd (#30 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd didn't speak much on this track last year when it first came, so his opinion on it is unknown, but [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1465886486348267529 he asked his followers for some opinions on it]] and most were negative. So he might include it here as a holdover after not doing so last year.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Light Switch" by Charlie Puth and "Left and Right" featuring Jung Kook of BTS: Puth has been a mixed bag for Todd since his arrival on the scene.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Oh My God" by Adele (#72 on Billboard's Year-End list): It's Adele, but this one has not been received quite as well as her bigger hits.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Glimpse of Us" by Music/{{Joji}} (#52 on Billboard's Year-End list): It is Joji's biggest hit so far in the US and worldwide, and the critical reception has been very positive. However, given that it's a stripped down piano ballad and its viral popularity on [=TikTok=], it's unknown how Todd would respond to it.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Bam Bam" by Camila Cabello featuring Ed Sheeran (#66 on Billboard's Year-End list): Although Todd is no fan of Camila and previously stated that "Ed Sheeran clearly should not be making music with Camila Cabello" after having hated their previous collaboration, "South of the Border", it's possible he'll think Ed fits this song specifically much better, since it's naturally backed by a guitar and has lyrics that he may feel suit Sheeran better than his other recent output.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Late Night Talking" (#25 on Billboard's Year-End list) and "Music for a Sushi Restaurant" by Harry Styles: Todd has effectively ensured "As It Was" will be on the best list, and at the very end of the "Sweetest Pie" review he implied he was hoping for more from Styles. These two songs might strike him well, though their reception (particularly the latter) has been a little iffy.
** "Music for a Sushi Restaurant" was confirmed #8 on the Worst List.
* "Cold Heart (Pnau Remix)" by Elton John and Dua Lipa (#10 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd has been critical of songs and "ultra lazy" sampling as of late, and while he has had generally favorable opinions regarding Dua Lipa, he stated in the "Sweetest Pie" review that this song makes absolutely no sense. However, in response to a [[https://twitter.com/circles2456/status/1562864567402672128 list of recent songs with samples]] on Twitter, he said he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562865012380557313 thinks it's fine]], so as was the case in 2021, it probably won't be on one of his lists for 2022, either.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Vegas" by Doja Cat (#47 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd has ragged on the "ultra lazy" sampling concept as of late, but he thinks this song is [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562865012380557313 fine]], so it probably won't make either of his year-end lists unless something causes his opinion to change.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)" by Lizzo: Todd has been favorable overall towards Lizzo but not self-empowerment anthems.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* Anything from ''Midnights'' by Taylor Swift except "Anti-Hero": [[https://twitter.com/shadowtodd/status/1584565101461270529 His opinion on the album]] was that it "sounds like an album that was made during moments when Taylor couldn't sleep", which makes it sound "samey and formless, but it also captures insomniac derangement in a way I find very relatable".
** Everything was jossed for both lists.
* "Unholy" by Sam Smith and Kim Petras (#98 on Billboard's Year-End list): As explained in his Pop Song Review, Todd hated it at first and still finds it heavily flawed, but came to appreciate it more, not just for being a milestone song for trans and nonbinary representation in popular music, but also because it's a novel single in an otherwise boring year for popular music.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Unstoppable" by Sia: Even though this came out in 2016, the chart success of this SelfEmpowermentAnthem this year could make Todd uncomfortable, especially in the aftermath of the ''Film/{{Music|2021}}'' controversy, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1572959831824154625 which]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1572961177818243074 these]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1572962632285704193 tweets]] show that he has not cast aside. That said, as Todd has consistently really liked Sia's work, he could likely separate the art from the artist in this case. While this song did not make the Year-End list, that's only because its success was relatively late in the year and several songs on the actual list were 2021 holdovers or Christmas songs; considering it peaked at #28, it would have ''easily'' made the Year-End list had its timing not been unlucky.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Sunroof" by Nicky Youre (#29 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd seemed to [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559580415534309376 imply]] that he enjoyed it, but he also [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559581799516254208 cautioned]] that he could see himself getting sick of it soon.
** Used as the credits music for the Worst list.
* "CUFF IT" by Beyonce (peaked at #13): As with the Harry Styles and Taylor Swift tracks mentioned above, he was favorable towards its #1 peaking predecessor, but hasn't said anything about it in detail.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Rich Flex" by Drake and 21 Savage (peaked at #2): It's a multi-suite trap song (like "SICKO MODE") by two rappers who have had recent high points for Todd, but his overall opinion of Drake has been more negative as of late, and he may not respond well to 21 Savage coopting Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage".
** It was jossed for both lists, although Todd did mention that he liked the album "for the most part" on the best list, but whether that includes this or "Circo Loco" above is unknown.
* "Die for You" by The Weeknd (peaked at #12): While Todd has overall positive feelings about The Weeknd, he may find it weird that this 2016 song only became a hit in 2022, not to mention he hasn't been impressed by all of his slower jams (such as "Earned It").
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Hrs and Hrs" by Muni Long (#57 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd could either find it a soothing [=R&B=] throwback or a dull, sleepy barely-a-song.
** Confirmed Honorable Mention on the Best List.
* "Victoria's Secret" by Jax (peaked at #35): Another song that Todd will probably consider eligible, despite not technically making the Year-End list, as it was screwed by coming out late in the year and peaking amidst a flood of album bomb and holiday tracks. While he'll probably consider this track to be outside his demographic, he may appreciate its rock-driven production and/or find its lyrics genuine.
** Confirmed #5 on the Worst List. Todd felt the lyrics were too redundant and misguided to be seen as genuine and endearing.
* "Hold My Hand" by Lady Gaga (peaked at #49): Another song that Todd would probably qualify based on his [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1605245770885894144 updated criteria]], despite it not being eligible based on his traditional rules. Todd could either find it a moving power ballad by a talented vocalist, or criticize it for said vocalist depriving herself of personality on a [[TheFourChordsOfPop Pop Song Chords]] track.
** It was jossed for both lists.
[[WMG: Probably Not Up For Consideration]]
* "We Don't Talk About Bruno" by the ''WesternAnimation/{{Encanto}}'' cast (#24 on Billboard's Year-End list): In the "Sweetest Pie" Pop Song Review, he described it as "a show tune, not a pop song", which likely disqualifies it. Even if that's not the case, he said that it had a good, catchy tune, but also described it as "for 8-year-olds", so it's probably neither bad enough for the Worst list nor interesting or compelling enough for the Best list anyway.
** It was jossed from both lists. In his Worst List, Todd said he thought the song was just simply fine.]]
* "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" by Music/KateBush (#23 on Billboard's Year-End list): Much like "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac recharting a few years ago, this acclaimed 80s classic has re-entered the charts and even greatly surpassed its original chart run, thanks to being featured in an episode of ''Series/StrangerThings''. Todd has confirmed the song would not make the list proper [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559582089695047680 though he does love it.
** Rita Ora's rendition during Rock in Rio was a Dishonorable Mention on the worst list. On the other hand, the real "Running Up That Hill" was listed as an Honorable Mention on the Best List, with Todd clarifying that it did not count. If it had, it would've been #1 instantly, which is not fair.
* "Surface Pressure" by Jessica Darrow (#53 on Billboard's Year-End list): Another song from ''Encanto''. Like "We Don't Talk About Bruno" and previous Disney animated musical hit "[[WesternAnimation/Frozen2013 Let It Go]]", Todd would presumably not consider it a real pop hit.
** Confirmed #10 on the Worst List. In essence, Todd has a negative bias towards Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the song, and he also said that Jessica Darrow, the voice actress of Luisa Madrigal, can't really sing, at least not when she's doing the "Luisa voice".
* Anything Christmas-related: Although several holiday songs technically qualify each year, Todd leans strictly towards new hits rather than returnees and did not give an honorable mention to "All I Want For Christmas Is You" the first year it went to #1, despite his vocal praise of the song.
[[WMG: Guesses for Worst list bumper music]]
* "One Right Now" by Post Malone and The Weeknd: Post Malone's resounding barking of the line "you think it's so easy, fucking with my feelings" sounds fitting to describe Todd's resentment towards these bad songs.
* "Break My Soul" by Beyonce: These songs won't break Todd's soul, and he's "telling everybody". Tearing into them allows him to "release the stress" and "forget the rest".
* "Unholy" by Sam Smith and Kim Petras: These songs are doing something unholy.
* "abcdefu" by GAYLE: The song itself is probably slated for the Worst list, but since Todd gave a dishonorable mention to "I Knew You Were Trouble" despite using it as his 2013 bumper music, this isn't totally out of consideration.
** Confirmed bumper music.
* "I Hate U" by SZA: If these songs are wondering if Todd hates them, he does, and it's shitty of them to make him feel just like this.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Year-End Predictions (2023)]]
[[WMG: Worst]]
* "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus (#2 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd expressed [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1614819994797510658?s=20&t=hsSl7CfclQrDxOzImZpJ0w major]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1614820560164524032?s=20&t=hsSl7CfclQrDxOzImZpJ0w disapproval]] towards the song, saying it would be a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1614826007726522368?s=20&t=hsSl7CfclQrDxOzImZpJ0w tragedy]] if it denied "Kill Bill" the #1 spot. However, he later clarified that he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1619014284486512642 didn't actually dislike it]], so chances are good that it only makes it due to overplay, if at all. Todd later stated in the "Song Vs. Song" podcast that he was still not very fond of the song though he stated he found it mediocre though he didn't hate it.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed dishonorable mention.]]
* "The Color Violet" by Tory Lanez (peaked at #63): Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1619484550664683522?s=20&t=KHYPTEOp-lA8Wfon4emiag absolutely]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1619485866719866881?s=20&t=KHYPTEOp-lA8Wfon4emiag panned]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1619486672873455616?s=20&t=KHYPTEOp-lA8Wfon4emiag it]]. If he considers it enough of a hit by his new criteria, it seems virtually guaranteed to make the list.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Last Night" by Morgan Wallen (#1 on Billboard's Year-End list): He said it might be his [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1625538890101833728?s=20&t=2j2SHjLMz_R62vlpmhNrZA "least favorite of Morgan Wallen's songs by a lot,"]] even saying he would rather listen to "Up Down" - which for context was his breakthrough hit from 2018 that featured ''Florida Georgia Line''. Based on his scathing Pop Song Review of the track comparing it to Maroon 5 and ranking it dead last among its parent album's 36 tracks, not to mention his [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1644242782045831168?s=20 fury]] at its [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1644244127952035841?s=20 continued success]], expect it to place ''very'' high on the Worst list.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed #1 Worst Hit Song of 2023.]]
* "Mother" by Meghan Trainor: A track built off a sample of "Mr. Sandman" by the Chordettes, Todd derided this as [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1631068654707281920?s=20 in the running]] for Trainor's worst song ever, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1631069494897520644?s=20 rivalling "Marvin Gaye"]], a song which topped one of his Worst lists. It failed to chart, however, so even with Todd's expanded criteria, it probably won't get anything more than a dishonorable mention.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Thank God" by Kane and Katelyn Brown (#23 on Billboard's Year-End list): Despite how favorable Todd was towards country last year, this song isn't one he's likely to enjoy, and it's possible he could blend it into the same mold as Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani's "Nobody but You", which made his 2020 Worst list.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Peaches" by Jack Black (peaked at #56): Todd has expressed on Twitter that he thinks the song [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1647641865204961280?s=20 "fucking sucks"]] and considers it to be the [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1647642662860881920?s=20 worst part]] of the [[WesternAnimation/TheSuperMarioBrosMovie Mario movie]]. Could probably be an honorable mention or even a proper entry on the worst list.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed dishonorable mention.]]
* "Players" by Coi Leray (#33 on Billboard's Year-End list): Another lazy sample track akin to "Big Energy", this time of "[[Music/GrandmasterFlashAndTheFuriousFive The Message]]", which, like "Genius of Love" before it, was already the basis of two previous [[Music/IceCube hit]] [[Music/SeanCombs songs]]. Todd mentioned in [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1672316239342096384 a response tweet]] to WebVideo/SpectrumPulse's [[https://twitter.com/SpectrumPulse/status/1672267527970254848 tweet]] about Coi Leray's sample flips that they are terrible for reasons beyond their obviousness, ensuring this could make the list.
** "Baby Don't Hurt Me" by David Guetta featuring Anne-Marie and Coi Leray (peaked at #48): And on those notes, here's another lazy sampling song, this time of "What is Love" by Haddaway, which is already bad enough an indictment towards it, and David Guetta was also behind "I'm Good (Blue)", his most hated hit song from 2022. It recently cracked the top 50, making it destined for the list.
** [[spoiler: "Baby Don't Hurt Me" confirmed #4. "Players" was jossed, but briefly brought up while discussing it.]]
* "Endless Fashion" by Lil Uzi Vert featuring Nicki Minaj (peaked at #20): And speaking of "I'm Good (Blue)", here's another song that samples "Blue (Da Ba Dee)". Even though "Super Freaky Girl" managed to avoid making last year's list thanks to Nicki's skills, this is likely to come off worse. A line like "made my ass great again (MAGA)" is a potential worst two seconds of the year contender.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "The Scuttlebut" by Awkwafina and Daveed Diggs: Yet another Disney soundtrack song written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this time for ''Film/TheLittleMermaid2023''. It suffers from painful lyrics similar to those in "Surface Pressure", in addition to having a polarizing actress rapping it. However, since it hasn't charted at all, it's only worth a dishonorable mention at best.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Search and Rescue" by Drake (#45 on Billboard's Year-End list): Aside from Todd potentially being fatigued by Drake after many years, he said the line "I know I'm a pit bull, but dale, mami" [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1659023102377066497 was worse than any line Pitbull ever wrote]], making that a candidate for his worst two seconds of the year.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed #8.]]
* "What a Night" by Flo Rida: Another lazy sampling song, this time of "December 1963 (Oh What a Night)" by The Four Seasons. While its exposure hasn't been big save being used as the theme song for Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN, Todd could make it a dishonorable mention for the sheer "why" factor on how Flo Rida hasn't gone away for good yet.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Vampire" by Olivia Rodrigo (#30 on Billboard's Year-End list): While he admired many of Olivia's previous songs, he called her lead single on her sophomore album a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1674663849193250816?s=20 disaster]] claiming [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1674666025563074561?s=20 it has no hook and a retread of her work on her debut album]]. Todd did state though that his impressions could change later though on the "Song Vs. Song" podcast, he admitted he still hated the song. As he asked his viewers their picks for the [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1689753448617570304 worst two seconds in pop music of 2023]] through August, there were quite a few replies citing the "fame fucker" line.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed #9.]]
* "Mind Your Business" by will.i.am and Britney Spears: Todd famously hated the duo's first collaboration single "Scream and Shout" and their new collaboration isn't any better and arguably might be worse. However, since it didn't chart, it's only eligible for a dishonorable mention.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Karma" by Taylor Swift featuring Ice Spice (#27 on Billboard's Year-End list): He questioned how Ice Spice [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1668692959267786752 was such a welcome addition to "Boy's a liar" as mentioned below and such a terrible addition to this]]. He said [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1668732739603005441 the song itself was fine]] but couldn't understand how Ice Spice made it worse. So while it likely won't be on either list proper, the duet version could potentially be a dishonorable mention for that alone.
** [[spoiler: Jossed, but used as the piano intro.]]
* "Cinderella Snapped" by Jax: He put "Victoria's Secret" on his "Worst of 2022", and [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1631755182970396674 he tweeted]] negatively on the song and being a ShallowParody of Disney Princesses.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Try That In A Small Town" by Jason Aldean (#66 on Billboard's Year-End list): The blatantly jingoistic lyrics that have been interpreted as being pro-lynching will horrify Todd, making it a shoe in for #1 spot, just like "Am I The Only One?" in 2021.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed #2.]]
* "Rich Men North of Richmond" by Oliver Anthony (#78 on Billboard's Year-End list): On that note, another Republican anthem that whinges about the same topics as other songs in that vein, which is likely to end up on the video in some fashion. Though Anthony's genuinely great singing voice could be the song's one saving grace for Todd. He went in detail about how Oliver Anthony is from [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1692368852636561422 Farmville, Virginia]], a place he's known well, ultimately concluding that someone [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1692371736015049189?s=20 should try to find out what he thinks about these topics which should be pretty close to home for him]]. Todd also thinks [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1694199992259326216 that the song got big through chart manipulation]] so expect him to bring that up when discussing the song.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed #5.]]
* "Daylight" by David Kushner (#62 on Billboard's Year-End list): Labeled by quite a few as a ripoff of Hozier - and Todd hated "Take Me to Church" in 2014 - this track isn't likely to land in his good graces.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed #7.]]
* "We Didn't Start the Fire" by Fall Out Boy (peaked at #94): This cover of Billy Joel's classic has caught quite a bit of flack even from Fall Out Boy fans themselves. Despite the debacle that Todd faced after putting "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light 'Em Up)" on his 2013 worst list, giving this a dishonorable mention is much less likely to be as controversial. He said that it "[[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1703955773485973901 had competition for the worst cover of the year]]" when introduced to Chris Stapleton and Snoop Dogg's new Monday Night Football theme on ESPN.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Seven" by Jungkook featuring Latto (#82 on Billboard's Year-End list): As Todd asked his viewers for their picks for the [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1689753448617570304 worst two seconds of 2023]], there were a handful of replies stating the line "I'll be fucking you right". And it features Latto of "Big Energy", which he hated, and her verse even calls back to it.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed. He said on Bluesky that it was "[[https://bsky.app/profile/shadowtodd.bsky.social/post/3kbnhvdruvf2m a solid 7]]".]]
* "Single Soon" by Selena Gomez (peaked at #19): Todd's disdain for Selena Gomez has been well established, and the song's overall reception hasn't been good.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Better Place" by NSYNC (peaked at #25): While he has admired Justin Timberlake outside the group, Todd has famously stated that he hates NSYNC and their songs ("Backstreet forever"), so it's hard to imagine that he'll be a fan of their new comeback single for the third ''Trolls'' movie especially as he was only lukewarm on the song from the first film, "Can't Stop the Feeling!".
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "God Gave Me a Girl" by Russell Dickerson (peaked at #81): Its chart performance isn't impressive, but considering Todd's vocal hatred for Russell Dickerson, he may mention this track, anyway.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Lil Boo Thang" by Paul Russell (peaked at #27): Yet another lazy and super short sampling song, this one of "Best of My Love" by The Emotions. Not much more to it than that.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Houdini" by Dua Lipa (peaked at #11): When Todd's ''Song vs. Song'' cohost Lina lamented this track's quick fall from the charts, he responded [[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1729550054753538343?s=20 rather negatively]], though since he admitted to [[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1729550806452506892?s=20 liking the production]], it probably wouldn't rank high, if it even makes the list at all.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
There were three songs that made the Worst list that nobody predicted: [[spoiler: "K-Pop" by Travis Scott featuring Bad Bunny and The Weeknd at #10, "Can't Have Mine" by Dylan Scott at #6, and "Slime You Out" by Drake featuring SZA at #3]], as well as two dishonorable mentions: [[spoiler: "Golden Hour" by JVKE and "Watermelon Moonshine" by Lainey Wilson.]]
[[WMG: Best]]
* "Nobody Gets Me" by SZA (#77 on Billboard's Year-End list): In the 2022 Best list, Todd said ''SOS'' was released too late in the year for him to work into the top 10, so [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1606752278509228035?s=20&t=euKe9IuBZ7hoKFcmqEo9uA expect at least one song]] from the album to make his 2023 list instead. He specifically [[https://twitter.com/shadowtodd/status/1617017974405361664?s=46&t=CEdvj8hlTC0oI9iXe2OaLg singled]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1617018737093390336?s=20&t=G39UWUNs3Pr7ppO3YZqQMg out]] this track as among his five favorites.
** The other four highlighted, "[=F2F=]", "Special", "Gone Girl" and "Ghost in the Machine" (feat. Phoebe Bridgers) (peaked at #55, #37, #43 and #40 respectively) could likely be honorable mentions, as they weren't officially released as singles.
** [[spoiler:All of the above jossed; instead, "Snooze" was confirmed as an honorable mention.]]
* "Escapism" by RAYE (#48 on Billboard's Year-End list): This late '90s/early 2000s trip hop throwback has received immense acclaim.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Bzrp Music Sessions Vol. 53" by Bizarrap and Shakira (#96 on Billboard's Year-End list): He called it [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1619009455554965505?s=20&t=mKnz5cIBTb3KuC7EDP7mFA "actual hot shit"]] compared to the celebrity breakup drama in "Flowers."
** [[spoiler:Confirmed honorable mention.]]
* "Boy's a Liar Pt. 2" by [=PinkPantheress=] feat. Ice Spice (#20 on Billboard's Year-End list): Although Todd compared it to [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1630624862686572544?s=20 Sega Genesis]] music, he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1630634149617995776?s=20 did not mean it as an insult]].
** [[spoiler: Jossed, but used as the credits music for the best list.]]
* "Lavender Haze" by Taylor Swift (#32 on Billboard's Year-End list): Given the high praise Todd had for its predecessor, which topped his best list last year, it's easy to see this going over good with him too and could end up on the list this time after it didn't then.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "CUFF IT" and "America Has a Problem" by Beyoncé, the latter with the remix featuring Kendrick Lamar (the former was #29 on Billboard's Year-End list): The former falls into the same mold as "Lavender Haze" as mentioned above. For the latter, Todd has been extremely favorable towards both Beyoncé's ''Renaissance'' era and Kendrick Lamar in general, so this would be very likely to end up on the list.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Nonsense" by Sabrina Carpenter (peaked at #56): [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1646200862740725760?cxt=HHwWgIDSyc69vdgtAAAA He loves the song]] despite it being very stupid. In particular, he cited "I had to jump the octave" as an early candidate for the year's best two seconds. He later said in an [[https://www.instagram.com/p/CrTemjbv2LP/ Instagram post]] that Carpenter's live presence is "legit, buy stock now" which helps in the song's favor.
** [[spoiler:Confirmed #6.]]
* "What Was I Made For?" by Billie Eilish (#81 on Billboard's Year-End list): Regardless on what Todd's opinion on the highly hyped ''[[Film/Barbie2023 Barbie]]'' movie could be, this song about Billie contemplating on her purpose in the world is one that could resonate with Todd, especially since he is still a huge fan of Billie and feels she's at her best when she "lets things sit in devastating silence" which the song fits into.
** [[spoiler:Confirmed #4. Todd said it would've been higher were it not for the overexposure on critics' best lists.]]
* "Speed Drive" by Charli XCX (peaked at #73): And on that note, he said that putting Charli XCX on the Barbie soundtrack [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1694093038224609593 "was a brilliant pairing"]], as they're both "otherwise-girly girls who fucking love cars".
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Cupid" by Fifty Fifty (#44 on Billboard's Year-End list): He has called the song [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1642319221882519552?s=20 "quite lovely"]], though he wasn't specific on the original or the twin version (and might have been referring to both).
** [[spoiler:Confirmed #7.]]
* "Bad Idea Right?" by Olivia Rodrigo (peaked at #7): While Todd heavily disliked her lead single for her sophomore album, he felt the second single was much better tweeting that he thought it "[[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1689873059212099584?s=20 fucking whips]]".
** [[spoiler:Confirmed #1.]]
* "Cruel Summer" by Taylor Swift (#18 on Billboard's Year-End list): He tweeted that after spending three years not seeing the big deal with the song and finding it overrated, he "[[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1678813738047242241?s=20 now gets it fully]] and can't tell [you] how fucking pissed off [he is] about that". In response to [[https://twitter.com/SpectrumPulse/status/1678817193369169930 Spectrum Pulse's tweet jokingly suggesting]] that he considered Lover wasn't that bad at all, Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1678818888992329728?s=20 admitted that he couldn't appreciate the song having mostly listened to it in the context of the album]], which he didn't like.
** [[spoiler:Confirmed #10.]]
* "Ditto" or "OMG" by [=NewJeans=]: Todd mentioned on Twitter that he enjoyed both of these songs and appreciates [=NewJeans=]' take on K-pop. These songs only scraped the bottom half of the Hot 100, but with Todd's newly expanded eligibility rules, they might have a shot.
** [[spoiler:Both were jossed; instead, "Super Shy" was confirmed as an honorable mention.]]
* "Waffle House" by Jonas Brothers (peaked at #57): He said it's his "[[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1671185800904712192 favorite JoBros song by a lot]]".
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Chemical" and "Mourning" by Post Malone (the former was #57 on Billboard's Year-End list): Post Malone's "AUSTIN" album has received a noticeable amount of acclaim, including these two tracks.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "I Remember Everything" by Zach Bryan ft. Kacey Musgraves (#74 on Billboard's Year-End list): After a summer dominated by country music discourse, Todd may see this as a welcome alternative that resonates with his recent feelings about getting older.
** [[spoiler: Jossed, but used as the piano intro.]]
* "Bongos" by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion (peaked at #14): In the 2023 MTV [=VMAs=] special edition of ''Podcast/SongVsSong'', Todd said it "was no "WAP", but it's pretty good".
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Paint the Town Red" by Doja Cat (#52 on Billboard's Year-End list): In the 2023 MTV [=VMAs=] special edition of ''Podcast/SongVsSong'', Todd said he likes the song, but he doesn't consider it amazing, compared to...
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Attention" by Doja Cat (peaked at #31): ...which he admitted to liking a lot more and thought it deserved better. Based on his current criteria, this could be a contender for a high spot.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Good Good" by Usher, Summer Walker & 21 Savage (peaked at #28): He calls it "[[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1705984984182665345 absolutely my shit]]".
** [[spoiler:Confirmed #9.]]
* "Tomorrow 2" by [=GloRilla=] & Cardi B (#70 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd has put songs by both artists on his Year-End Best lists in the past, so this seems like a surefire lock.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
There were four songs that made the Best list that nobody predicted: [[spoiler:"Ceilings" by Lizzy [=McAlpine=] at #8, "Man Made a Bar" by Morgan Wallen ft. Eric Church at #5, "On My Mama" by Victoria Monét at #3, and "Dial Drunk" by Noah Kahan at #2 (the solo version specifically, though he says the Post Malone remix is "surprisingly not terrible")]], as well as six honorable mentions: [[spoiler:"Agora Hills" by Doja Cat, "Handle on You" by Parker [=McCollum=], "Super Shy" by [=NewJeans=], "Snooze" by SZA, "Jaded" by Miley Cyrus, "Can't Catch Me Now" by Olivia Rodrigo]].
[[WMG: Could Go Either Way]]
* "Just Wanna Rock" by Lil Uzi Vert (#28 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd enjoyed "XO Tour [=Llif3=]" in 2017, but hasn't really spoken much on Lil Uzi Vert since. The over-usage of the song in sports coverage could hurt or help its case, too, whereas it did the latter with "A Sky Full of Stars" in 2014.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Die for You" by The Weeknd, with the remix featuring Ariana Grande (#7 on Billboard's Year-End list): As mentioned before, Todd overall enjoys The Weeknd but hasn't been huge on some of his slower hits, and he's commented on the song being a bigger hit than anything from ''Dawn FM''. And he might not be huge on it being another remix with Ariana Grande that hit #1.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Calm Down" by REMA featuring Selena Gomez (#6 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd has made his distaste for Selena Gomez very clear, but this song's overall reception has been pretty good. He even [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1658133809022345217 asked his Twitter followers for their thoughts on it]] to mostly positive responses.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed dishonorable mention.]]
* "Red Ruby da Sleeze" by Nicki Minaj (peaked at #13): Another song based off of sampling, this one of "Never Leave You" by Lumidee. Todd said Nicki's skills saved "Super Freaky Girl" from making 2022's list over "Big Energy", so this is a toss-up.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Middle Ground" by Maroon 5: It could receive a dishonorable mention purely via tradition like "Nobody's Love", but Todd spoke [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1661401844277743616?s=20 fairly]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1661405379748839424?s=20 decently]] of it.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Fast Car" by Luke Combs (#8 on Billboard's Year-End list): He [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1666165623624433664?s=20 called the cover "thoroughly unnecessary"]] and didn't get its popularity, but said he "would never complain about a good singer singing a good song".
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "All My Life" by Lil Durk featuring J Cole (#25 on Billboard's Year-End list): As with "Calm Down" above, he [[https://twitter.com/shadowtodd/status/1671237668532006920?s=46&t=q4ZL3OwpSh6hPAVbNH7kqA asked his followers on Twitter for opinions on it]], albeit to mostly mixed responses. While there's certainly stuff to like about it, there are factors that might be turnoffs, such as the children's choir on the hook, and a Dr. Luke production credit.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed dishonorable mention.]]
* "Dance the Night" by Dua Lipa (#35 on Billboard's Year-End list): This Mark Ronson-produced track's theme of partying through sadness could fall into a similar camp as the dark party songs he's liked in the past. That said, Todd has not put anything by Dua Lipa on his Best list since "New Rules" in 2018 and complained last year that the radio was over-satured with good-but-not-great Dua Lipa songs. It's well possible Todd will have grown sick of Dua Lipa by the end of 2023 and instead consider this more of creatively stagnant disappointment - not helped by its blatant similarity to "Levitating" (which Todd said he never even considered for the Best list) - than a delightful disco throwback, especially as he said he has [[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1729523326400487773?s=20 cooled on]] Dua Lipa.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Eyes Closed" by Ed Sheeran (#64 on Billboard's Year-End list): Sheeran has had a mix of both good and bad for Todd, so this could end up on either of those sides.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Creepin'" by Metro Boomin featuring The Weeknd & 21 Savage (#5 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd said in his "[[Music/LukeCombs Fast Car]]" review that while The Weeknd does improve on the original "I Don't Wanna Know" by being a better singer than Mario Winans, he'd be perfectly happy never hearing it again, and that he doesn't feel like anyone was really enthusiastic about remaking it. Also of note, Todd had the original song as the credits music for his "Worst of 2004" list, so "Creepin'" could also be a possible contender for this year's Worst list credits music.
** [[spoiler: Jossed usage as the Worst list credits music, as ''another'' Metro Boomin song, "Superhero (Heroes & Villains)" featuring Future & Chris Brown, was used instead.]]
* "I Can See You (Taylor's Version)" by Taylor Swift (peaked at #5): A previously unreleased track from the vault, Todd could find Taylor's sultry approach either a welcome change of pace or an unnecessary pivot.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Is It Over Now? (Taylor's Version)" by Taylor Swift (peaked at #1): Another vault track, labeled as a counterpart to "Out of the Woods" that is clearly about Harry Styles, and given his love for "Style", he might find this good for similar reason or consider it a rip-off.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Now and Then" by The Beatles (peaked at #7): The final song from arguably the most legendary musical artists in the world, this track where Paul and Ringo finished up a demo recorded by John and guitar work from George about remembering a loved one could be a track called a lovely closer to the group's legacy or he could find it a gimmick.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Used to Be Young" by Miley Cyrus (peaked at #8): While Todd has disliked songs like this before (particularly Justin Bieber's "Lonely"), this ballad about Miley criticizing the media for her rebellious actions, mainly during her infamous ''Bangerz'' era, is one that Todd could like as he has grown to like and respect Miley.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Style (Taylor's Version)" by Taylor Swift: Todd absolutely loves the original track, and [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1717811237436993540 expressed on Twitter]] how disappointed he is with the re-recording.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Need a Favor" by Jelly Roll (#34 on Billboard's Year-End list): Even though Todd put "Son of a Sinner" on his Best list last year, it's also possible he could consider this very overtly preachy in a similar vein to most contemporary Christian music.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
[[WMG: Guesses for Worst list bumper music]]
* "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift: It's me. Hi. These songs are the problem, it's them.
* "Creepin" by The Weeknd, Metro Boomin and 21 Savage: Todd doesn't want to know, if these songs are playing, they should keep it on the low, because his heart can't take it anymore.
* "CUFF IT" by Beyonce: These songs have Todd in the mood to fuck something up.
* "Dance the Night" by Dua Lipa: Todd's heart might be burning thanks to these songs, but they won't see it on his face.
* "Is It Over Now?" by Taylor Swift: These songs have Todd wondering if it's over now.
[[spoiler: All songs jossed. Todd instead used "This Is Why" by Paramore as the bumper music.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Year-End Predictions (2024)]]
[[WMG: Worst]]
* "run for the hills" by Tate [=McRae=] (peaked at #69): It's another dark, moody song with rapidfire lyrics like "You Broke Me First", which Todd hated. Combined with its ironic title considering it's an ambient sex song in the vein of "Never Be the Same" and "I Don't Wanna Live Forever", this seems very likely to make the Worst list if it gets big enough and sticks around.
** "Exes" (peaked at #34), the followup hit to "Greedy", has also only gotten a lukewarm reception since its release, and like its predecessor hasn't done much to establish a unique identity for Tate [=McRae=], something Todd would not be pleased about.
* "Lovin' on Me" by Jack Harlow (peaked at #1): Todd [[https://www.twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1747880631194030468 said that]] while he finds it clearly much better than "First Class", he dislikes it much more. He later called the first verse "[[https://www.twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1757451269403554150 truly one of the worst verses I've ever heard]]". The song's prolonged dominance on the charts will likely land it a high spot due to overplay, similar to "Last Night", "Shape of You", and "Mood".
* "Selfish" by Justin Timberlake (peaked at #19): Todd had a [[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1750548643604754747 strongly negative]] reaction to the song, saying it's [[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1750550995279720865 exactly as bad as "Filthy"]] and that [[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1750554647939703219 not only does he not want this type of thing from Justin, but thinks even those who do will still be disappointed]]. Seems like a virtual lock for the Worst list.
* "Facts" by Tom [=MacDonald=] x Ben Shapiro (peaked at #16): Yet another anti-liberal song that achieved top 20 success on the heels of conservative spite-buyers.
* "Carnival" by Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign ft. Rich the Kid & Playboi Carti (peaked at #1): While Todd understands and respects the decision made by some of his [[WebVideo/TheNeedleDrop fellow]] [[WebVideo/SpectrumPulse colleagues]] to not review ''Vultures'', he notes that he feels some responsibility to say that this track in particular is "[[https://www.twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1760066939580489762 un-fucking-listenable]]". He [[https://bsky.app/profile/shadowtodd.bsky.social/post/3kni7vnyi4h2z later said]] that [[https://www.twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1767448927140544564 it hitting #1]] is "just an unequivocally bad thing, in terms of politics and decency but also in terms of, like, having good taste". He called the lines "Head so good, she a honor roll/She ride the dick like a carnival" in the chorus "[[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1770173975164825973?s=20 one of the worst bars he had ever heard]]". So far, this seems very likely to top the Worst list.
* "I Luv It" by Camila Cabello featuring Playboi Carti (peaked at #81): Todd has never been a Camila fan, and this divisive pivot to hyperpop is built around a sample of a Bangladesh-produced Gucci Mane track (which "Break Up" was). It has also been derided as a ripoff of Charli XCX.
* "I Don't Wanna Wait" by David Guetta & [=OneRepublic=]: Once again David Guetta blatantly samples a very recognizable hit from old, this time the ''Numa Numa song.'' Expect Todd to react in kind.
[[WMG: Best]]
* "Hiss" by Megan Thee Stallion (peaked at #1): Todd still loves Megan and her abrasive lead single from her third album where she disses several names might be something he'll applaud.
* "Texas Hold 'Em" by Beyoncé (peaked at #1): Todd commented in his "Jolene" review that he liked ''Cowboy Carter'', so it's likely a song from it will appear in his Best list this year. Additionally, the song becoming the first by a black woman to hit #1 on the country charts could be something he'll applaud in the wake of the [[Music/JasonAldean previous year's biggest country controversy]].
* "Stick Season" by Noah Kahan (peaked at #10): Considering the ''very'' high placement of "Dial Drunk" on the Best list last year, it's likely Todd will also have good things to say about the title track from that song's parent album.
* "Feather" by Sabrina Carpenter (peaked at #26): Shortly after Todd predicted Sabrina Carpenter would become the next big thing in pop music, she finally scored her first major hit with this. Unlike Tate [=McRae=]'s recent output, this has gotten glowing praise from the general public.
** "Espresso" (peaked at #7) became her first top 10 hit shortly thereafter, prompting Todd to [[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1783994087450038591 acknowledge]] his correct prediction.
* "Yeah Glo!" or "Wanna Be" (with Megan Thee Stallion) by [=GloRilla=] (the former is currently at #35, the latter is currently at #11): She made Todd's best list in 2022, and he's been [[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1780275651645448591 pleased]] by her success in 2024.
* "yes, and?" and/or "we can't be friends (wait for your love)" by Music/ArianaGrande (both peaked at #1): Grande's new album ''eternal sunshine'' has received some overall erratic reception, but Todd called it "[[https://twitter.com/shadowtodd/status/1783388277510414371?s=46&t=C6ZYJ9dALR86HIhbLBvXBw really great]]" on Twitter; "yes, and?" in particular "[[https://twitter.com/shadowtodd/status/1783390384951038390?s=46&t=C6ZYJ9dALR86HIhbLBvXBw grew on [him]]]" but was "a mistake as a lead single".
* "Florida!!!" by Taylor Swift featuring Florence and the Machine (peaked at #8): Although TTPD was a mixed bag for Todd, as seen below, this track has been one of the biggest particular consensus fan favorites.
[[WMG: Could go either way]]
* "Training Season" by Dua Lipa (peaked at #27): It's another warmly received single from Dua Lipa, but Todd hasn't given her a spot on the Best list in years, nor even an honorable mention.
* "Beautiful Things" by Benson Boone (peaked at #2): Todd [[https://www.twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1772045122383008200 considers it a 5/10]], feeling he could be "coaxed in either direction but I don't think you'll get me to say it's truly good or truly bad", but that he'll likely form a true verdict after hearing it 200 more times.
* Anything off of ''The Tortured Poets Department'' by Taylor Swift except "Florida!!!": He claimed that most of the album "[[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1782433092428574749 seemed self-consciously poetic]]", at the expense of being lyrical, and had lines that might work decently in the verses but are disastrous in the chorus, like in "Down Bad" and the title track.
* "Too Sweet" by Hozier (peaked at #1): While Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1782475457369342333 likes it considerably more]] than "Take Me to Church" (which was a dishonorable mention on his Worst list in 2014), he can identify no part of the song that makes him think "This is going to resonate so hard that it's going to be the most popular song in the country".
[[WMG: Probably not up for consideration]]
* "Murder on the Dancefloor" by Music/SophieEllisBextor (peaked at #51 during its 2023-24 chart run): Similar to "Running Up That Hill" in 2022, this UK hit from 2001 was prominently featured in ''Film/{{Saltburn}}'', leading it to trend on [=TikTok=] and scrape the bottom of the Hot 100. Todd has stated he loves the song in his One Hit Wonderland episode of "You Get What You Give" calling it his favorite song written by Gregg Alexander after the break-up of the New Radicals. It might get an honorable mention or even be used as a piano intro.
[[WMG: Guesses for Worst list bumper music]]
* "Is It Over Now?" by Taylor Swift: These songs have Todd wondering if it's over now.
* "You Broke My Heart" by Drake: These songs broke Todd's heart. And it hurts.
* "Feather" by Sabrina Carpenter: Todd feels so much lighter like a feather with these songs off his mind.
[[/folder]]
----
----
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:Year-End Predictions (2020)]]
[[WMG: Best]]
* "Good News" by Music/MacMiller (peaked at #17): This posthumous single has become Mac's one truly big hit (aside from his guest spot on Music/ArianaGrande's "The Way", he had only briefly touched the top 40 once, and that was primarily because he died right before the song's peak). It has quickly emerged one of the most acclaimed pop songs in several years, thanks to its hauntingly personal lyrics and immaculate production. Considering Todd's fascination and horror over Mac's history with Ariana, it's very likely this song will heavily intrigue him.
** Jossed.
* "Don't Start Now" by Dua Lipa (peaked at #2): It wasn't a hit in time to qualify for the Best list in 2019, but it has since become Dua Lipa's biggest hit to date in America. So far, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1224526624906977281?s=20 things seem to be looking up]] for its chances of making the Best list this year.
** Confirmed honorable mention.
* "Adore You" by Harry Styles (peaked at #6): In stark contrast to the rest of One Direction, Harry Styles' solo career has been widely praised for its originality and ambition. While Todd found "Sign of the Times" too depressing to really enjoy, it's likely he has grown much fonder of Harry since his sophomore album came out because he retweeted a [[https://twitter.com/useful_noise/status/1205586240684339200?s=20 comment praising Harry as "the one who likes good music"]]. More critically, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1342653643036758021?s=20 Todd considers Harry #1 on his list of musicians whose power ranking rose the most in 2020]].
** Confirmed #3.
* "Heartless" by The Weeknd (peaked at #1): Although it didn't make the Best list in 2019, Todd recently [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1210583838084272129?s=20 tweeted]] that he's much more impressed by his usual style now than he was originally, so it's possible this could make the countdown for 2020 instead, especially since it came out in December, before Todd likely felt he could make a final verdict on it. On Twitter, he said that [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1233610035814641664?s=20 while it has a weak chorus, it's otherwise a good song]]. He gave special praise to the [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1233611150606118912?s=20 drum hits]] early in the verse. While The Weeknd's other hits this year are probably likelier to make Todd's Best list, this song's strengths could be enough to earn it an honorable mention.
** Confirmed #9.
* "High Fashion" by Roddy Ricch featuring Mustard (peaked at #20): It's possible Todd would like this for similar reasons he likes Drake's better songs, namely its melancholic tone beneath a glamorous façade.
** Jossed.
* "everything i wanted" by Billie Eilish (peaked at #8): After missing last year's list (possibly because Todd only wanted to represent Billie with "Bad Guy"), it could make the 2020 countdown instead.
** Confirmed honorable mention.
* "Physical" by Dua Lipa: Todd likes Dua Lipa, and this has become one of her most acclaimed songs yet, between its fresh spin on '80s synthpop and lyrics that Todd would feel bring out the best of her talents. If this gets an honorable mention, expect Todd to say it's way better than Olivia Newton-John's song of the same name, which he hates.
** Jossed, though Todd said Dua Lipa had lots of great songs this year.
* "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd (peaked at #1): It is one of The Weeknd's most acclaimed songs to date, and Todd will probably enjoy its early '80s synthpop stylings. However, while he called it an [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1272063121008590848?s=20 obviously great-sounding]] song, he also found it hard to feel strongly about, making it unlikely that he'd put it higher than an honorable mention.
** Jossed, with Todd mentioning the above reason for excluding it during his prelude to #9.
* "No Time to Die" by Billie Eilish (peaked at #16): It has become one of the most hyped Bond themes in quite a long time, powered by arguably the biggest pop star of the turn of the decade. Since Todd has been extremely impressed by Billie Eilish, he'll likely enjoy this.
** Jossed.
* "After Hours" by The Weeknd (peaked at #20): Todd has grown much fonder of The Weeknd's persona as a nocturnal heartbreaker, so he'll probably commend this track's remorseful self awareness as a fresh development in his star narrative. Also, it's one of his most acclaimed singles to date.
** Jossed
* "Break My Heart" by Dua Lipa (peaked at #13): With Bruno Mars shying away from retro pastiche in recent times, it's likely Todd will praise Dua Lipa for taking up the mantle. Since the bassline here resembles "Need You Tonight", it's possible he'd mention how Dua Lipa is way better at mimicking INXS than Pat Monahan was.
** Jossed, although Todd did mention that Dua Lipa would've ranked highly among 2020 artists who made the most good songs.
* "Savage" by Megan thee Stallion (peaked at #1): Since Todd loved "Hot Girl Summer", he'll probably enjoy this as well. He said he far prefers the original over the remix.
** Remix with Beyonce confirmed #10.
* "Righteous" and/or "Wishing Well" by Juice WRLD (peaked at #11 and #5, respectively): Todd came to appreciate Juice WRLD much more by the time he passed away, and these posthumous singles will probably resonate with him in 2020.
** Both songs jossed.
* "Stupid Love" by Lady Gaga (peaked at #5): Todd said this is a mostly [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1256723458744094727?s=20 great song]] that's only held back by its disappointing resolution. It probably won't rank high on his year-end list, but he might come to forgive the "I want your stupid love" part enough that it will make his video.
** Jossed.
* "Say So (Remix)" by Doja Cat feat. Nicki Minaj (peaked at #1): Another track with an oldies disco groove, which Todd is known to like. Todd said it's an [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1272063121008590848?s=20 obviously great-sounding song]], and while he originally didn't care for the remix, he now feels [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1272066381517897733?s=20 Nicki adds a lot]] to the track, and a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1325864052996755457?s=20 later performance]] of the song improved his feelings about Doja Cat. It does have the dubious distinction of being the comeback of the controversial Dr. Luke -- while this is unlikely to keep the song from appearing on the list (Todd tends to separate the art from the artist, and has put a song featuring R. Kelly on a Best list), it'll probably be [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1272063570247929857?s=20 discussed]] if the song makes the list.
** Jossed.
* "Supalonely" by BENEE ft. Gus Dapperton (#84 on Billboard's Year-End list): In his Toosie Slide review, he praised the song for singing about loneliness "in a tone just ironic enough to be comforting".
** Confirmed #7.
* "Rain on Me" by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande (peaked at #1): This seems very likely to register with Todd between its raw lyrics, uplifting house production, and the fact that it's by two pop divas he has regularly given high marks to.
** Confirmed #8.
* "I Hope You're Happy Now" by Carly Pearce & Lee Brice (#73 on Billboard's Year-End list): Like the other country hits of 2020, this song is burying the memory of bro-country in the 2010s.
** Jossed.
* "Watermelon Sugar" by Harry Styles (peaked at #1): Like "Adore You", this has fared quite well with the public. It becoming Harry's first US #1 hit proves that he's had the most fruitful solo career of the former [=1D=]'ers, pun intended. [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1342653643036758021?s=20 This]] also bodes well for the track.
** Jossed.
* "The Bigger Picture" by Lil Baby (peaked at #3): Although Todd has been very harsh to Lil Baby thus far, this protest song has proven there's much more to him than just by-the-numbers mumble rap, and Todd seems to be [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1278196116241219584?s=20 turning]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1278197066330750976?s=20 around]] on him for saying something important at such a critical time in history.
** Confirmed #5.
* "Trollz" by 6ix9ine & Nicki Minaj (peaked at #1): Despite Todd's hatred of 6ix9ine and his [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1275122577091047424?s=20 defeatedly sarcastic]] reaction to its #1 debut on the Hot 100, Todd said in his Pop Song Review that he actually likes this song, as he gets why Tekashi is so popular right now and also got into Nicki's part on the song. He may not feel right putting it on his top 10 proper, but don't be surprised if it gets an honorable mention.
** Jossed.
* "Cardigan" by Taylor Swift (peaked at #1): This and its parent album are quickly being lauded as being among her best work. It may win Todd back after her two previous albums (especially ''reputation'') didn't impress him, especially if [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1286838734755856384?s=20 this]] is to be believed.
** Jossed.
* "my future" by Billie Eilish (peaked at #6): This song's introspective lyrics may be especially appealing to Todd in an era where he's forced to spend the vast majority of his time by himself, especially since Billie Eilish topped his Best of 2019 list.
** Jossed.
* "Exile" by Taylor Swift featuring Bon Iver (peaked at #6): Among the songs from ''Folklore'', Todd thinks this song has [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1291185782498234369?s=20 potential to go far]] in the long run.
** Confirmed #6.
* "WAP" by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion (peaked at #1): He is a big fan of both rappers, so it seems to have pretty good chances. Plus, he tweeted [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1293002275951194112 this]], which pretty much makes it confirmed to be in the list, possibly on a high position.
** Confirmed #2.
* "Midnight Sky" by Miley Cyrus (peaked at #14): It's Miley's first solo trip to the top 20 in quite awhile, and it's easily one of her better-received singles. Todd spoke [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1315155313935347712?s=20 positively]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1315163613854724096?s=20 of it]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1317338458877091841?s=20 on Twitter]], making it virtually guaranteed to show up.
** Confirmed #4.
* "More Than My Hometown" by Morgan Wallen (peaked at #15): Todd called it [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1300847229511503873?s=20 one of his favorite singles of the year]], so it's pretty much guaranteed to show up now that it's eligible.
** Confirmed #1 best hit song of 2020. However, Todd has revoked his positive feelings about Morgan Wallen since the n-word scandal.
* "Life Is Good" by Future feat. Drake (peaked at #2): While Todd hated "Jumpman" and is tired of Drake, he's much fonder of trap music now than he was in 2016, and he could appreciate this song's multi-suite structure like he did for "SICKO MODE". He [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1269166740459737088?s=20 prefers it over "THE SCOTTS"]] and said he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1308458142154407939?s=20 likes it more than most people]].
** Confirmed honorable mention.
* "Dior", "For the Night" (featuring Lil Baby & [=DaBaby=]), and/or "The Woo" (featuring 50 Cent & Roddy Ricch) by Pop Smoke ("Dior" is #83 on Billboard's Year-End list, "Night" peaked at #6, and "Woo" peaked at #11, respectively): Although Todd's opinion of Pop Smoke is unknown as of yet, it would be in [[NeverSpeakIllOfTheDead bad taste]] for him to put him on his Worst list.
** "Dior" confirmed honorable mention.
* "Die from a Broken Heart" by Music/MaddieAndTae (#65 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd had previously spoken favorably about "Girl in a Country Song" and its deconstruction of bro-country, a subgenre that he hated. He may be pleased to see one of the acts responsible behind the subgenre's downfall finally have another hit in a time when country music has started opening up to women again.
** Jossed.
* "Franchise" by Travis Scott featuring Young Thug & M.I.A. (peaked at #1): Todd [[https://twitter.com/HowdyImAl/status/1316443087737036800?s=20 liked]] a tweet praising the song, so it's likely bound for the Best list.
** Jossed.
* "Sunday Best" by Surfaces (peaked at #19): Todd stressed that it [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1280961637801955328?s=20 understands]] its era and later called it a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1317328055187107841?s=20 Stevie Wonder riff]].
** Jossed.
* "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac (peaked at #12 in 2020): Possibly unlikely, seeing as Todd did not give an honorable mention to "All I Want For Christmas Is You" last year, but he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1316241655998054400?s=20 adores]] this track and is [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1316244575778873344?s=20 intrigued]] by its resurgence despite Generation Z's general disinterest in classic rock.
** Jossed.
* "Lemonade" by Internet Money & Gunna featuring Don Toliver & NAV (peaked at #6): Its mood might resonate with Todd in 2020.
** Jossed.
* "Happy Anywhere" by Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani (peaked at #36): Despite hating "Nobody But You", Todd claimed he found this one to be [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1322426072592388097?s=20 "pretty decent"]], so he might give it an honorable mention.
** Jossed.
* "Positions" by Ariana Grande (peaked at #1): It may not be her most rapturously acclaimed single, but Todd will probably be happy that Ariana is still keeping the flame of pop music burning even during a difficult time for the genre.
** Confirmed honorable mention.
* "34+35" by Ariana Grande (peaked at #8): Todd may appreciate this for being a pop song that deftly adapts to the pandemic era.
** Jossed.
* "Dakiti" by Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez (peaked at #5): Todd usually avoids putting Spanish-language songs on his year-end lists because he's not fluent in the language, but this is easily Bad Bunny's most positively received hit to date.
** Jossed.
* "Levitating" by Dua Lipa featuring [=DaBaby=] (peaked at #20): Todd likes both artists, so he might find room for this remix.
** Jossed.
* "P*$$y Fairy (OTW)" by Music/JheneAiko (#94 on Billboard's Year-End list): Much like "WAP", this song has gotten positive reception for its provocatively sexual content and Todd would likely enjoy the track's throwback stylings.
** Jossed.
* "Therefore I Am" by Billie Eilish (peaked at #2): Another big hit by Billie Eilish, who Todd has been highly impressed by.
** Jossed.
* "Life Goes On" by BTS (peaked at #1): This and "Dynamite" are the first K-pop songs to reach #1 in the United States, a feat even "Gangnam Style" never achieved this feat due to Maroon 5. However, whereas "Dynamite" quickly wore out on Todd, the other songs from their ''Be'' album have apparently [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1342963913793662978?s=20 grown on him]]; it's well possible this is one of the tracks he has come to appreciate.
** Jossed.
* "Body" by Megan Thee Stallion (peaked at #12): It's possibly too new to make the list, but Todd is a big fan of hers.
** Jossed.
* "Blue & Grey" by BTS (peaked at #13): It's more of an album bomb hit, but it made the top 20, regardless, and while Todd doesn't love "Dynamite", he has [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1342963913793662978?s=20 become fonder of]] the other tracks from the record.
** Jossed.
* "Emotionally Scarred" by Lil Baby (#74 on Billboard's Year-End list): Similar to "The Bigger Picture", Todd has hinted to [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1335739902529433600?s=20 liking]] it, probably because it's another example of Lil Baby showcasing his personal depth.
** Jossed.
* "Bluebird" by Miranda Lambert (#91 on Billboard's Year-End list): Another country song by a woman, which Todd is glad to see more of in 2020. This one in particular is very well-received by the public.
** Jossed.
* "BOP" by [=DaBaby=] (peaked at #11): Although "INTRO" won the slot on Todd's 2019 Best list, this could still show up in his 2020 video.
** Jossed.
* "Good as Hell" by Lizzo (peaked at #3): It technically qualified as an honorable mention in 2019 because it was Todd's 12th favorite hit of the year despite not appearing in his video, but since it made the Year-End list for 2020 as well, it could get an official honorable mention this time instead.
** Jossed.
* "Bandit" by Juice WRLD and [=YoungBoy=] Never Broke Again (peaked at #10): Since Juice WRLD died while Todd was in the middle of making his 2019 Year-End lists, time might've given him the opportunity to appreciate this track even more.
** Jossed.
* "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey (#67 on Billboard's Year-End list): Although Todd eschewed the opportunity to give this an honorable mention last year, when it went to #1 for the first time in 25 years, its presence on the official 2020 Year-End list might cause him to change his mind for this year.
** Jossed.
* "Evermore" by Taylor Swift feat. Bon Iver: This would be ''super'' last-minute, but since Todd loved their previous duet, it's likely this could get an honorable mention, too.
** Jossed.
* "My Oh My" by Camila Cabello featuring [=DaBaby=] (peaked at #12): Todd dislikes Camila Cabello but loves [=DaBaby=]. [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1217696869620514816?s=20 He considers this a]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1229075436346527745?s=20 so-bad-it's-funny song]]. Todd later called it [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1339768779325153280?s=20 Camilla Cabello's best song]], so it's likely enough of a guilty pleasure of his to get an honorable mention.
** Jossed.
* "Willow" by Taylor Swift (peaked at #1): This was the actual hit from Taylor's ''Music/Evermore2020'' album, managing to interrupt "All I Want For Christmas Is You"'s stay at #1 in the middle of December.
** Jossed.
* "The Box" by Roddy Ricch (peaked at #1): As the first new #1 hit of the 2020s, Todd may commend this as another big single by a fresh new talent. In December 2020, he called Ricch "the good Lil Baby" in ''Song vs. Song'', so it's a likely contender for the list.
** Jossed, though Todd mentioned his appreciation for it in the honorable mentions section.
* "Ballin'" by Mustard featuring Roddy Ricch (peaked at #11): Todd seems to be impressed by Roddy Ricch.
** Confirmed honorable mention and implied to be #11.
[[WMG: Worst]]
* "Yummy" by Justin Bieber (peaked at #2): Not only has its reception been abysmal, but [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1213144024724516864 Todd stated he absolutely hated it]]. Additionally, he bashed it with a ''[[Recap/TheSimpsonsS5E15DeepSpaceHomer Simpsons]]'' reference in his Best of 2019 video. [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1213731416883843072 He noted that it has been heavily compared to Justin Timberlake's "Filthy"]], which also dropped at the very beginning of the year to much backlash, due to its horribly awkward sexual lyrics and ill-fitting production. Although Todd called it the ''best'' song on Bieber's ''Changes'' album in his Pop Song Review of the track, it's likely that his opinion of the song has soured further since he discussed it, especially with its baffling Grammy nomination.
** Confirmed #1 worst hit song of 2020.
* "Falling" by Trevor Daniel (peaked at #17): Another song Todd would probably consider boring, energyless, and uninspired in the Zayn and Bazzi tradition. [[https://twitter.com/SpectrumPulse/status/1317325684587581440?s=20 This]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1317326164654878720?s=20 suggests]] it's at least in contention.
** Confirmed #7.
* "Godzilla" by Eminem feat. Juice WRLD (peaked at #3): Although Todd has grown much fonder of the late Juice WRLD since putting him on his Worst list in 2018, he hasn't been very impressed by Eminem's work from the past few years, and his new album, while not as universally panned as ''Revival'', has still bitterly disappointed the public. He'd probably call this song a worse version of "Rap God".
** Jossed.
* "hot girl bummer" by blackbear (peaked at #11): The song is widely hated for its misogynistic lyrics among other things, and Todd seemed [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1214623090845634560?s=20 rather unhappy]] that it was climbing the charts. It doesn't help that the title is a rip-off of Megan Thee Stallion's "Hot Girl Summer," a song that made Todd's best list in 2019. Furthermore, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1237436118720811008?s=20 he said he far prefers "Roxanne" by Arizona Zervas]], even though he seemed to find that song confusing and annoying at-best. He also said [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1237179759999815681?s=20 this]].
** Jossed. Todd mentioned blackbear in the opening when talking about artists that at least made interestingly bad music and he wanted to put "absence-of-good" songs on the list.
* "Intentions" by Justin Bieber featuring Quavo (peaked at #5): Todd tweeted [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1228396397562617856?s=20 this]] while listening to the song on his play-through of Bieber's ''Changes'' album (it's track 4). His [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1228397521145344001?s=20 later]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1228398039099990016?s=20 comments]] about Bieber don't help. Additionally, he stated "Yummy" was the best track on the record despite his hatred of it, implying that this song is even worse. Later, he [[https://twitter.com/middledasummer/status/1257390794509557761?s=20 retweeted a statement comparing the song's lyrics to Train]].
** Confirmed dishonorable mention.
* "RITMO (Bad Boys for Life)" by Black Eyed Peas x J Balvin (#50 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd will surely be horrified that the Black Eyed Peas somehow ''did'' return for another hit after several years of being yesterday's news. It doesn't help that this song returns to will.i.am's formula of hijacking nostalgic pop songs (in this case "The Rhythm of the Night" by Corona[[note]]Let's put aside the unfortunate coincidence there[[/note]]) and coating them with vapid lyrics and irritating production. Todd confirmed his dismay over the Black Eyed Peas' comeback in his OHW retrospective for the aforementioned song, so this seems very likely to make the Worst list.
** Jossed. Todd played it as an example of a radio filler song while discussing his #4 pick.
* "Nobody But You" by Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani (peaked at #18): Todd said their voices [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1256472699481796609?s=20 don't go together]] and that his mind [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1270211662377779200?s=20 rejects the idea of them]] as a couple. He later compared their relationship to Cher and Gregg Allman in the ''Two the Hard Way Trainwreckords''.
** Confirmed #6.
* "Stuck with U" by Justin Bieber & Ariana Grande (peaked at #1): Musically, it's basically the "Perfect" of 2020, being a stripped-down duet by two artists with poor chemistry. Besides that though, the track's lyrics have been blasted for essentially romanticizing the pandemic, coming from the perspective of rich celebrities who don't have to bear the worst of it.
** Confirmed dishonorable mention.
* "Before You Go" by Lewis Capaldi (peaked at #9): It's pretty obvious Todd isn't that fond of Lewis Capaldi, but he said he only rates it a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1317320897313734657?s=20 4 out of 10]] and doesn't expect it to make the Worst list. However, he later [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1336963647256416257?s=20 mentioned]] the song in the same breath as Maroon 5's "Memories" as a song that invalidates a 100-track best list article, even at a low position, so it's well possible his opinion has since soured enough that the song will make his Worst list after all.
** Confirmed dishonorable mention.
* "Lovin' on You", "Forever After All", "Does to Me" (featuring Eric Church), and/or "Even Though I'm Leaving" by Luke Combs ("Lovin'" is #97 on Billboard's Year-End list, "Forever" peaked at #2, "Does" is #93 on the year-end list, and "Leaving" is #85 on the year-end list): Todd has spoken [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1237509098012151809?s=20 negatively]] about Luke Combs.
** "Lovin' on You" confirmed dishonorable mention, the others are jossed.
* "Party Girl" by [=StaySolidRocky=] (#64 on Billboard's Year-End list): Another sad rap song that Todd will probably find clumsy and/or dreary, and he has hinted that it [[https://twitter.com/SpectrumPulse/status/1317325684587581440?s=20 might]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1317326164654878720?s=20 show up]].
** Confirmed #3.
* "THE SCOTTS" by Travis Scott and Kid Cudi (peaked at #1): Todd said even after listening to it several times, he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1269166740459737088?s=20 cannot tell you even the tiniest thing about it]]. This makes it seem likely to make the Worst list at the end of the year for similar reasons that the Jonas Brothers made his Worst of 2019 list.
** Jossed, but used as the end credits theme for the Worst list.
* "Go Crazy" by Chris Brown & Young Thug (peaked at #9): Even in 2020, Chris Brown is still having hits. However, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1328640931407380481?s=20 this]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1328641678551392258?s=20 suggests]] it's not especially likely to make the video.
** Jossed.
* "ROCKSTAR" by [=DaBaby=] feat. Roddy Ricch (peaked at #1): Although Todd likes [=DaBaby=], he thinks this song is [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1272195262610640897?s=20 far inferior]] to the N.E.R.D. song of the same name, so it doesn't seem destined for his Best list like "INTRO" was.
** Jossed.
* "In Between" by Scotty [=McCreery=]: Todd called it a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1277626421628805123?s=20 stupid idea for a song]]. Since it wasn't a real hit though, it's only eligible for the dishonorable mentions section.
** Jossed.
* "One Margarita" by Luke Bryan (peaked at #19): While it's not as generally despised as "Knockin' Boots", Todd has never seemed to be impressed by Luke Bryan, and he thinks the song is [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1280964864849129474?s=20 aimed at the anti-quarantine crowd]].
** Confirmed #8.
* "Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)" by Jawsh 685 x Jason Derulo (peaked at #1): Apparently, Jason Derulo is still a thing. After several years of him being one of Todd's least favorite pop stars, this almost certainly won't be the track to turn his opinion around. He [[https://twitter.com/HarryLarry1350/status/1314018538084986881?s=20 liked]] a tweet calling it a [=TikTok=] cash in when he asked his followers what they considered to be the worst song of the year. Expect him to only include the original, rather than the BTS remix, due to his fear of BTS's infamous Stan army and Derulo being the artist Todd hates, anyway.
** Confirmed #2. The BTS remix is mentioned, but Todd mostly expressed his fear at BTS's power, to get Derulo to top the charts again.
* "Here and Now" by Kenny Chesney (peaked at #38): Todd thinks it's [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1280959756837040130?s=20 absolutely]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1280969149787844610?s=20 awful]] because it's so insultingly oblivious to the times. While it wasn't a big hit, he may find it so emblematic of 2020's awfulness that he'll give it a dishonorable mention, anyway.
** Jossed, but mentioned during the "One Margarita" segment, though Todd considered "Margarita" worse.
* "WHATS POPPIN" by Jack Harlow (peaked at #2): Sounds like Todd's [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1283566279203454976?s=20 not a fan]].
** Jossed.
* "Mood" by [[{{Music/TwentyFourKGoldn}} 24kGoldn]] featuring Iann Dior (peaked at #1): Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1305593097116553216 is not a fan]] and [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1305594022254186496 doesn't see why]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1305595311813873664 anyone would defend it.]] He all but confirmed the song's inclusion [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1317337135238688770?s=20 here]], even hinting that it will show up near the top. With "I Love My Country" ineligible, this seems like the likeliest candidate for the #1 spot, considering how savage he was to it on Twitter, even though he has already gotten a lot of backlash for his opinion.
** Confirmed #4. A major part of Todd actually considers it #1, but he held back on his official ranking because he suspected part of his hatred was just how puzzled he was by the track's overwhelming popularity.
* "Popstar" by DJ Khaled featuring Drake (peaked at #3): Todd is [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1305881368480505857?s=20 confused]] by its strong chart performance, and [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1305914410880307201?s=20 this]] confirms it's not a positive confusion. [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1308456574709411840?s=20 This tweet]], in particular, seems to guarantee it will make the Worst list.
** Confirmed #5.
* "I Love My Country" by Florida Georgia Line (peaked at #40): These guys are still around, and this is one of their worst-reviewed songs to date. Considering Todd's disgust towards blind decadence in such a dire time for world events, it's not likely this will rub him the right way. Like "One Margarita", he'll probably call it a quintessential anti-quarantine anthem. Most critically, he liked [[https://twitter.com/PossibleCabbage/status/1314001066275594241?s=20 two]] [[https://twitter.com/anorableee/status/1314020125717258240?s=20 responses]] mentioning the track when he asked his Twitter followers what they considered to be the worst song of the year. However, while Todd said to expect this high on his worst list on ''Song vs. Song'', it failed to make the year-end Hot 100, so it's only eligible for a dishonorable mention.
** Confirmed dishonorable mention. Todd mentioned it would've been his #1 pick had it been eligible.
* "death bed (coffee for your head)" by Powfu featuring beabadoobee (#43 on Billboard's Year-End list): Even though Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1269142062995312640?s=20 likes]] the chorus, his Pop Song Review of the song was otherwise so disparaging that the track is still pretty likely to make the Worst List video. He called Powfu one of the worst rappers ever and, as he had [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1276036246490447875?s=20 hinted]] on [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1276037061259268096?s=20 Twitter]], found the song's verses insultingly simplistic for such a serious topic.
** Jossed.
* "Holy" by Justin Bieber featuring Chance the Rapper (peaked at #3): Todd has expressed his dislike of Justin Bieber countless times before, so it's especially unlikely that his stab at contemporary Christian-tinged music is going to change his mind.
** Jossed.
* "Got What I Got" by Jason Aldean (peaked at #16): Todd might find it misogynistic or at least just annoying in its attitude.
** Jossed.
* "Said Sum" by Moneybagg Yo (peaked at #17): Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1332015662659559424?s=20 asked]] his Twitter followers what they thought of the song and [[https://twitter.com/over_short/status/1332018176096395264?s=20 liked]] a response calling it generic.
** Jossed.
* "If the World Was Ending" by JP Saxe featuring Julia Michaels (#56 on Billboard's Year-End list): It's been featured in several other people's Worst list and its likely that Todd would also find it dreary and sloppily-written. Not to mention, he put Julia Michaels' "Issues" as a dishonorable mention on the 2017 Worst list.
** Jossed.
* "Monster" by Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber (peaked at #8): The mere presence of Justin Bieber is probably enough to deny this song Best list potential, but its overall reception has been fairly subpar, anyway.
** Jossed.
* "Lose You to Love Me" by Selena Gomez (peaked at #1): It missed the Worst list last year, but it could still appear on this one because Todd made a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1216613546802536448?s=20 scathing]] comment about it after the list came out.
** Jossed.
* "Ice Cream" by Blackpink and Selena Gomez (peaked at #13): Todd likely won't put this on the list out of fear of angering K-pop stans, but its reception has nevertheless been polarizing and Selena's presence alone would likely keep it out of the Best list.
** Confirmed #9.
* "One of Them Girls" by Lee Brice (peaked at #17): It's another meat-headed country song with a less-than-PC message. Its reliance on Pop Song Chords certainly doesn't help.
** Jossed.
* "Walk Em Down" by NLE Choppa featuring Roddy Ricch (#100 on Billboard's Year-End list): Considering this is the very last song to make Billboard's Year-End list and it was boosted by [=TikTok=], Todd may consider it the ultimate example of a song that fluked its way into being a hit. Its chorus is pretty repetitive, too.
** Jossed.
* "Hot" by Young Thug featuring Gunna (peaked at #11): Young Thug doesn't seem to have made much of an impression on Todd yet, and Todd will probably find this song repetitive.
** Jossed.
* "GREECE" by DJ Khaled featuring Drake (peaked at #8): Although Todd has already hinted that he despises "Popstar", this hasn't been too warmly received, either.
** Jossed.
* "HIGHEST IN THE ROOM" by Travis Scott (peaked at #1): Todd feels Travis [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1339380743475142658?s=20 barely has an identity]], so a solo hit of his isn't likely to go over well for him.
** Jossed, but used as the end credits music for the Best list.
[[WMG: Could go either way]]
* "The Bones" by Maren Morris (peaked at #12): While Todd isn't a fan of Maren Morris, he expressed joy in the "I Hope" Pop Song Review that women are scoring real country hits again after being so underrepresented in the late 2010s.
** Jossed for both lists, but used as the piano intro for the Best list.
* "You Should Be Sad" by Halsey (#82 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd could either respect this for its personal lyrics or feel underwhelmed by its genre-straddling production and reliance on [[TheFourChordsOfPop Pop Song Chords]].
** Jossed for both lists, but used as the bumper theme for the Worst list.
* "I Love Me" by Demi Lovato (peaked at #18): Despite being a SelfEmpowermentAnthem, Todd may appreciate it for displaying more vulnerability than other songs of the same theme. However, the production may hold it back for him.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Turks" by Nav and Gunna feat. Travis Scott (peaked at #17): Todd was surprised this became a top 20 hit, but his opinion on the song is unknown.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Chasin' You" by Morgan Wallen (peaked at #16): Todd could either see it as an honest account of self pity or an uncomfortable stalker song.
** Jossed for both lists, but implied to be a song Todd loves in the Best list.
* "Roses (Imanbek Remix)" by [=SAINt=] JHN (peaked at #4): While Todd probably wouldn't find much value in its novelty of pitching up a trap song and giving it a disco/EDM beat, he contrasted it to "Toosie Slide" to explain how undanceable the latter is, so it's possible he actually enjoys this in its strangeness.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Blueberry Faygo" by Lil Mosey (peaked at #8): Although Todd mostly endorses young talent on the pop charts right now, his opinion of Lil Mosey is unknown.
** Jossed for both lists. Todd mentioned it as an example of harmless radio filler in his Worst list.
* "Toosie Slide" by Drake (peaked at #1): If the ''Scorpion'' album already screamed complacency to Todd, this went the extra mile. In his Pop Song Review of the track, he called it the anthem of the quarantine, meaning it's completely worthless in any other context. That said, he later began to [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1276283270859231237?s=20 reconsider]] his opinion on the song, so it's not impossible for it to become a surprise favorite of his by the end of the year.
** Jossed for both lists.
* Any of Lil Baby's 2020 hits aside from "The Bigger Picture" and "Emotionally Scarred" ("Sum 2 Prove" peaked at #16, "Woah" peaked at #15, "We Paid" featuring 42 Dugg peaked at #10, and "Heatin' Up" featuring Gunna peaked at #18): Todd has traditionally disliked Lil Baby, but he has hinted to loving "The Bigger Picture" and "Emotionally Scarred", so his opinion of his work as a whole may improve.
** "We Paid" confirmed dishonorable mention.
* "GOOBA" by 6ix9ine (peaked at #3): Todd almost put "GUMMO" on his Worst list in 2018 but spared Tekashi because a part of him appreciated his over-the-top delivery in the age of mumble rap. In his "Trollz" Pop Song Review, he called this both Tekashi's best and worst song at the same time, so it might pull an "Anaconda" and appear on both the Best ''and'' Worst list videos.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Come & Go" by Juice WRLD x Marshmello (peaked at #17): While Todd has warmed up to Juice WRLD since his passing, he vehemently despises Marshmello.
** Jossed for either list, though he said on Twitter that [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1350542569109823488 he considered making it an honorable mention]] but was too tired to put much thought into his honorable mentions.
* "Be Like That" by Kane Brown with Swae Lee & Khalid (peaked at #19): Todd put "One Thing Right" on his Worst list in 2019, but that was pretty much purely due to Marshmello, not Kane Brown. Additionally, he likes both Swae Lee and Khalid. He's still not one for country-pop mashups aside from "Old Town Road", however.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Wonder" by Shawn Mendes (peaked at #18): While Shawn Mendes has grown on Todd, he still has yet to make his Best list aside from "There's Nothin' Holding Me Back" getting an honorable mention for 2017.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Kings & Queens" by Ava Max (peaked at #13): Todd gave "Sweet But Psycho" a dishonorable mention on last year's Worst list, but on Twitter, he made a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1316899959120117760?s=20 mixed comparison]] between Ava and Meghan Trainor, stating she at least had an identity even though he's not a big fan. This song in particular is generally better received than "Sweet But Psycho", but Todd may still find it too unoriginal due to its similarities to Bonnie Tyler's "If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man)".
** Jossed for both lists, but Todd later stated he had considered putting it on the Worst list.
* "Laugh Now, Cry Later" by Drake feat. Lil Durk (peaked at #2): Todd thinks Drake tends to be at his best when he leans into his melancholia, and he may feel more comfortable praising this than "Toosie Slide". He's still pretty fatigued by Drake's endless torrent of mostly similar-sounding hits, though.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "I Hope" by Gabby Barrett (peaked at #3): Although Todd said the song makes him feel [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1276175634016894983 "real icky."]], his Pop Song Review noted that in many ways it's actually a massive improvement over its spiritual predecessor, "Before He Cheats" (which he no longer despises) and that he totally got the track in the aftermath of the 2020 election. However, he ultimately still doesn't like it due to its excessive lyrical details.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Lonely" by Justin Bieber & benny blanco (peaked at #14): Todd has stated Bieber is one of his least favorite pop singers ever, incapable of projecting any emotion aside from dickishness. That said, while he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1327320256428134400?s=20 affirmed that the song does indeed fall emotionally flat to him, he also finds something endearing about its failure]].
** Confirmed #10 worst.
* "One Man Band" by Old Dominion (peaked at #20): It's distinct from all the bro-country and Dan + Shay-style love songs dominating Nashville these days, but it's possible Todd would consider its lyrics too corny.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Slide" by H.E.R. featuring YG (#99 on Billboard's Year-End list): In 2020, Todd might feel this song's mood hits the nail on the head, but it's also possible he'd just consider it dull, not to mention it's unlikely he'd be impressed by YG's verse.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Homesick" by Kane Brown (#89 on Billboard's Year-End list): Although Todd's feelings about boyfriend country are mixed, this song seems like it would lyrically connect with him. However, he may also scorn the second verse for similar reasons he despised "7 Years" and "Memories", that being its self-congratulatory details tossed in the middle of an intentionally solemn song.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Juicy" by Doja Cat and Tyga (#87 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd has been warming up to Doja Cat, but Tyga's there.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Suicidal" by YNW Melly featuring Juice WRLD (peaked at #20): While the presence of a deceased artist on this song may cause Todd to find it much more tragic, the track's handling of the theme of suicide has been divisive at best.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Heart on Ice" and/or "[=Rags2Riches=]" (featuring ATR [=SonSon=]) by Rod Wave ("Heart" was #51 on Billboard's Year-End list, "Rags" peaked at #12): Another [=TikTok=] rapper who Todd could either find charming or undeserving of widespread success.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Roxanne" by Arizona Zervas (peaked at #4): It didn't appear on either list last year, but Todd found it to be a huge earworm, so after having thought about it plenty more, he could've either grown fonder of it or lost all tolerance for it.
** Jossed for both lists. Todd mentioned it as an example of radio filler in his Worst list.
* "Hawái (Remix)" by Maluma and The Weeknd (peaked at #12): It's similar to "Despacito (Remix)" in that it's a huge reggaeton hit that achieved crossover success in the American pop market thanks to the help of a Canadian superstar. While Todd likes the Weeknd for the most part nowadays, he might feel he doesn't add much to this style of music.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "Hard to Forget" by Sam Hunt (#69 on Billboard's Year-End list): Although Todd hated "Body Like a Back Road", he said this song was [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1317326164654878720?s=20 overhated]]. It's possible his opinion has since evolved, though, whether for the better or worse.
** Jossed for both lists.
* "10,000 Hours" by Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber (peaked at #4): While Todd isn't in love with boyfriend country, he at least appreciates that it's not bro-country.
** Jossed for both lists.
[[WMG: Guesses for the 2020 Best/Worst of the Year piano intro + end credits music]]
* "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd: Todd thinks it sounds great, but also finds [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1272063121008590848?s=20 difficulty]] feeling emotionally attached to it.
* "Say So" by Doja Cat: See "Blinding Lights". This song is somewhat likelier to make the best list though because [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1272066381517897733?s=20 Todd was impressed by the remix with Nicki Minaj]].
** Presumably jossed as a piano intro because Mr. 96 already used a piano rendition of the song as the bumper theme for his Worst list.
* "The Box" by Roddy Ricch: It was #1 on the charts for eleven weeks, yet Todd has been silent on it aside from mentioning how it was a [=TikTok=] hit that kept "Yummy" from reaching #1. It doesn't have particularly strong overall reception one way or the other, so it's not likely to make either of his lists.
* "Life Is Good" by Future feat. Drake: Todd likes it more than "THE SCOTTS", but it's not likely he'd enjoy it enough to put it on his best list, either.
* "Rockstar" by [=DaBaby=] feat. Roddy Ricch: It was a #1 hit, but [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1272193168163954688?s=20 this]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1272195262610640897?s=20 suggests]] he doesn't consider it anything special.
* "Watermelon Sugar" by Harry Styles: This is Harry's first #1 hit, but while it's generally considered to be a good song, it's not quite as beloved as "Adore You".
* "WHATS POPPIN" by Jack Harlow: Todd apparently doesn't like it, but there are probably other tracks he despises more in 2020.
* "Intentions" by Justin Bieber featuring Quavo: Todd implied that he found it extremely boring, but he later stated he found amusement in its ridiculous lyrics, so he may find it too harmless to put on the Worst list proper. Since it was a huge hit, it may be used as piano intro music instead.
* "The Bones" by Maren Morris: This has been one of the biggest country hits of the year, but it's unlikely to appear on either of Todd's lists.
** Confirmed piano intro for the Best list.
* "My Oh My" by Camilla Cabello featuring [=DaBaby=]: Todd said it wasn't bad enough to be genuinely horrible, but still bad enough to be amusing. Since it was a huge hit, it seems likely to appear as music in the piano intro or end credits of his Worst list.
* "Before You Go" by Lewis Capaldi: Todd doesn't like Lewis Capaldi but [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1317320897313734657?s=20 hinted]] that this probably won't make his Worst list.
* "Lemonade" by Internet Money & Gunna featuring Don Toliver & NAV: It's likelier to appear on the Best list because it has been mostly well-received and lacks anything particularly Worst list-worthy, but Todd will likely find it too standard to make his Best list.
* "Laugh Now, Cry Later" by Drake feat. Lil Durk: It peaked at #2, but Todd ranks it in the [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1308456574709411840?s=20 middle]] among Drake's 2020 hits, so it's definitely in contention.
** Confirmed piano intro for the Worst list.
* "Go Crazy" by Chris Brown & Young Thug: Todd only rates it a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1328641678551392258?s=20 5/10]] despite his [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1328640931407380481?s=20 hatred of Chris Brown]].
* "ily (i love you baby)" by Surf Mesa featuring Emilee: It's just a dance song built around "Can't Take My Eyes Off You", but it would be ideal as a credits theme.
* "Roses (Imanbek Remix)" by [=SAINt=] JHN: Another track that seems ideal for a credits theme.
* "Dynamite" by BTS: Despite loving it at first, Todd only rates it a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1342963913793662978?s=20 6/10]] and considers BTS' other new songs better. As a #1 hit, it's a definite contender for the Best list's piano intro.
Worst list end credits theme was "THE SCOTTS" by Travis Scott and Kid Cudi.
Best list end credits theme was "HIGHEST IN THE ROOM" by Travis Scott.\\
\\
[[WMG: Guesses for the 2020 Worst of the Year bumper music]]
* "Don't Start Now" by Dua Lipa: These songs have run out of time to win Todd over.
* "Laugh Now, Cry Later" by Drake feat. Lil Durk: These songs can laugh while they chart high, but will have to cry upon making Todd's Worst list.
** Presumably jossed, due to already being used as the bumper theme for [=Cicabeot1=]'s Worst list for 2020.
* "Lonely" by Justin Bieber & benny blanco: The word 'lonely' is basically 2020 in a nutshell.
* "I Hope" by Gabby Barrett: Todd hopes history will backstab these songs after being so kind to them initially.
* "hot girl bummer" by blackbear: The first few seconds of this song would be pretty apt, though due to [=YouTube's=] stricter policy on strong language, Todd may not be able to use it repeatedly as the bumper theme (though he could use the clean version instead if necessary).
* "Supalonely" by BENEE ft. Gus Dapperton: Like "Lonely", this song's chorus bluntly exemplifies 2020.
* "Toosie Slide" by Drake: Todd called it the anthem of the quarantine, so he might consider it ideal for the bumper theme.
* "Heartless" by The Weeknd: Todd is heartless to these songs.
* "Walk Em Down" by NLE Choppa featuring Roddy Ricch: Todd is gonna walk these songs down.
* "Rain On Me" by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande: "I'd rather be dry but at least I'm alive" could be a more positive sentiment for an an awful year and its awful songs.
Worst list bumper theme was "You Should Be Sad" by Halsey.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Year-End Predictions (2021)]]
[[WMG: Best]]
* "Levitating" by Dua Lipa (peaked at #2): 2020 was a little too crowded with songs Todd liked, but Dua may have a second chance with this song, which is a much bigger hit in 2021 than it was in 2020. Due to the controversy surrounding comments [=DaBaby=] made in July (which Dua Lipa herself openly criticized), expect Todd to only count the solo version of the track instead of the remix.
** It was jossed. Todd mentioned it sounded good but that he was never considering putting it on his list.
* "Good Days" by SZA (peaked at #9): Todd likes SZA, so he may be glad to see her get a hit that has nothing to do with Maroon 5.
** Confirmed #7.
* "Save Your Tears" by The Weeknd (peaked at #1): Todd likes The Weeknd now, so this seems like it has a shot. Probably only the original version though, since Todd hates guest star remixes in general.
** Jossed, but used as the transition music for the Worst list.
* "34+35" by Ariana Grande (peaked at #2): It missed last year's list, but Todd is a fan of hers, so he might give this a mention as it was more of a hit in 2021.
** It was jossed.
* "Streets" by Doja Cat (peaked at #16): Todd seems to be on board with Doja Cat and unlike "Say So", this track has the advantage of not having a writing credit from Dr. Luke, so it might have a shot.
** It was jossed, with Todd stating Doja Cat left him cold this year.
* "My Ex's Best Friend" by Machine Gun Kelly x blackbear (peaked at #20): Todd spoke positively about it in the Worst of 2020 video, so he could finally give this a spot now that it's qualified for this year's best list.
** Confirmed #8.
* "drivers license" by Music/OliviaRodrigo (peaked at #1): In his review, Todd said that he wouldn't have made this the hit of the decade given the choice, but felt it deserved to be successful regardless, and resonated thanks to the loneliness of the pandemic. He's also under the impression he'll like it even more by the end of the year too.
** It was jossed.
* "Girl Like Me" by Black Eyed Peas and Shakira: Todd apparently [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1365402073114677249?s=20 likes their synergy]]. It probably helps that the track was originally written back in 2008, before will.i.am went full autopilot. However, this wasn't a hit, so it's only eligible for an honorable mention.
** It was jossed.
* "Therefore I Am" by Billie Eilish (peaked at #2): This is her big hit of early 2021.
** It was jossed. Instead, Todd put "Your Power" at #2 on his list.
* "Up" by Cardi B (peaked at #1): Pretty predictable for Todd to love a Cardi song.
** It was jossed. Todd said it was good, but nowhere near as good as "Thot Shit".
* "Leave the Door Open" by Silk Sonic (peaked at #1): While Todd initially wasn't impressed by this when he first talked about the track on the Song vs. Song Grammys round-up, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1383641633208500230 it seems to have grown on him as of April 2021.]]
** Confirmed honorable mention.
* "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" by Lil Nas X (peaked at #1): Although Todd said he wasn't quite feeling this song in his Pop Song Review of it, he praised it for being groundbreaking as an explicit song by a black gay male and does not feel his own opinion should matter as a straight man. He also thinks it might eventually grow on him as Lil Nas X's previous hits did.
** It was jossed. Todd mentioned Lil Nas X's release this year was better as a full album, rather than as individual tracks.
* "Good 4 U" by Olivia Rodrigo (peaked at #1): After getting increasingly sick of '80s nostalgia pop, Todd may be delighted that finally, at long last, a legitimate 2000s throwback has gone to #1.
** It was jossed. Instead, Todd put "Brutal" at #10 on the list.
* "POV" by Ariana Grande (#87 on Billboard's Year-End list): It's Ariana Grande again, and this has been one of her best received singles to date.
** It was jossed.
* "Leave Before You Love Me" by Marshmello and Jonas Brothers (peaked at #19): In spite of Todd's distaste for both artists, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1407604868332744704 he enjoys this collaboration.]]
** Confirmed honorable mention.
* "Thot Shit" by Megan Thee Stallion (peaked at #16): Another hit by Megan Thee Stallion, and Todd would likely appreciate the song's subject matter for calling-out slut-shaming men after the backlash she got from conservative commentators for her guest appearance on "WAP". Also helping is that he called the [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1438374436701302784 "Ain't nobody come to see you Otis"]] line his vote for the Best Two Seconds of the year (so far).
** Confirmed #5.
* "Starting Over" by Chris Stapleton and/or "Hell of a View" by Eric Church ("Starting" and "Hell" are #53 and #91 on Billboard's Year-End list, respectively): [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1438969559516528641 Todd discussed]] being happy that "those two guys had hits this year" and called them his "favorites of the year" when replying to a tweet mentioning Stapleton and Church, which was most likely referring to these songs.
** Both confirmed honorable mentions.
* "Industry Baby" by Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow (peaked at #1): Though Todd isn't fully sold on either of these artists, he will probably adore the track's dive into the anxiety experienced by two guys who abruptly went from anonymous [=TikTok=] rappers to some of the biggest hitmakers around.
** Confirmed honorable mention.
* "Skate" by Silk Sonic (peaked at #14): Todd came to like their first hit, so he may end up impressed by this, too.
** It was jossed.
* "Things A Man Oughta Know" by Lainey Wilson (#96 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd has been happy to see more women breakthrough in Nashville, and reception to this track has been very solid.
** It was jossed.
* "Love Again" by Dua Lipa: While it failed to make the Year-End Hot 100, Todd may give this minor sleeper hit an honorable mention, as it's one of the best-received tracks from Dua Lipa's ''Future Nostalgia'' album.
** It was jossed.
* "Rumors" by Lizzo and Cardi B (peaked at #4): Todd viewed Lizzo pretty favorably in 2019, and has been very high on Cardi, so this is a sure contender for him to like.
** It was jossed.
* "Jail" by Kanye West (peaked at #10): Although Todd has been very critical of Kanye in recent years and ''Donda'' hasn't done much to change that, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1432040544738308100 he mentioned]] liking this song (along with "Come to Life") "a whole lot" when asked about his opinion on the album.
** It was jossed.
* "Traitor" by Olivia Rodrigo (peaked at #9): Todd has stated he likes Olivia Rodrigo, so chances are he'll single this out as a highlight of the year.
** It was jossed.
* "My Universe" by Coldplay and BTS (peaked at #1): While Todd's opinions on BTS' hits have been fairly mixed, he has generally liked Coldplay's pop material, so he might be happy to see the ARMY give them a #1 hit after several years away from the mainstream.
** It was jossed.
* "Willow" by Taylor Swift (peaked at #1): Todd really liked her last album ''Folklore'' and was a fan of Taylor's folk sound having put "Exile" on his best list the year before, so it's possible he might put this song on the list since it missed last years due to ''Evermore'' being a last minute release in 2020.
** It was jossed.
* "Easy On Me" by Adele (peaked at #1): Its not as universally-acclaimed as some of her other singles, but Todd would likely be more happier than not to see Adele back after many years.
** Confirmed #9.
* "Telepatía" by Kali Uchis (#49 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd casually played a clip of it during his "Fancy Like" review when explaining how [=TikTok=] introduced him to some of the best songs he's heard in years, so this could wind up being incredibly high on the best list.
** Confirmed #3.
* "Meet Me at Our Spot" by The Anxiety (peaked at #21): While Todd hasn't mentioned the song in particular, he did mention that Willow Smith is one of his favorite artists of 2021, so it could get an honorable mention.
** Confirmed #1 Best Hit Song of 2021 despite the fact that it made neither of his criteria (though it was #74 on 2022's Year-End list); Todd later [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1605247315417055233 confirmed]] that he was able to count it due to removing "[[Music/MichaelJackson Thriller]]" (which was in the Top 20 the week "Meet Me at Our Spot" peaked) from consideration
* "How Not to Drown" by CHVRCHES: In what was somewhat of a weaker year, CHVRCHES was one of the only notable pop acts this year to receive critical acclaim. Todd doesn't talk about them very often, but if he includes an honorable mention for best non-hit this year then they might make the cut.
** It was jossed.
* "Happier Than Ever" by Billie Eilish (peaked at #11): Another Billie Eilish track, and the reception to this has been especially positive.
** It was jossed.
* "Rapstar" by Polo G (peaked at #1): Although Todd's opinion on Polo G is unknown, he's shown to be kinder to recent hip-hop trends and this has been one of the most critically acclaimed hits of the year.
** It was jossed.
* "Positions" by Ariana Grande (peaked at #1): Even though it made the honorable mentions on last year's best list, Todd mentioned in his Worst of 2021 list that "abcdefu" could be on the worst list proper next year if it sticks around, so a similar case might happen for this.
** It was jossed.
[[WMG: Worst]]
* "Better Together" and/or "Forever After All" by Luke Combs ("Better" peaked at #15; "Forever" peaked at #2): He made Todd's dishonorable mentions section last year, and the well hasn't run dry for him yet.
** Both songs jossed.
* "Kings & Queens" by Ava Max (peaked at #13): Todd thinks it's [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1354128520268550144?s=20 terrible]] and [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1354129130166513666?s=20 almost put it on his Worst list for 2020]].
** It was jossed.
* "WITHOUT YOU" by The Kid LAROI (peaked at #8): Todd said he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1356500409066549253?s=20 despised every single song on a Spotify playlist based on "my ex's best friend"]], which included this track. He also dissed the Kid LAROI in the "Astronaut in the Ocean" Pop Song Review.
** Confirmed #4.
* "You Broke Me First" by Tate [=McRae=] (peaked at #17): Todd might find her a Billie Eilish knock-off. [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1384980592639451141?s=20 This]] doesn't bode well for it, especially considering the responses he liked.
** Confirmed #9.
* "Lifestyle" by Jason Derulo featuring Adam Levine: Just the idea of these two on a song together would certainly annoy Todd so much that even though it wasn't a hit, it could still get a dishonorable mention though sheer novelty alone.
** It was jossed.
* "Put Your Records On" by Ritt Momney (#93 on Billboard's Year-End list): While Todd's opinion on the Corinne Bailey Rae original is unknown, this cover has been panned over its questionable production choices.
** It was jossed.
* "Good Time" by Niko Moon (peaked at #20): Apparently, the bros are still a thing in Nashville, and this one is particularly blatant with its trend-hopping.
** It was jossed.
* "Beautiful Mistakes" by Maroon 5 ft. Megan Thee Stallion (peaked at #13): Well, well, well...just when Todd thought Adam Levine's reign of terror was over at long last, Megan Thee Stallion has come to rescue his career, just as Cardi did with "Girls Like You". As was the case with that track, Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1409802673868603394?s=20 dislikes it]] despite the presence of a rapper he loves and has [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1409803281962913797?s=20 basically confirmed]] it will make the cut.
** Confirmed #10.
* "Go Crazy" by Chris Brown & Young Thug (peaked at #3): Although Todd only found it mediocre at worst last year, the song's refusal to go away might cause it to sour on him enough to make his Worst list for 2021.
** It was jossed.
* "Heat Waves" by Glass Animals (peaked at #7 in 2021 and #1 in 2022): [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1383156616741068800 Todd has hinted at not liking it and even put the song on the same camp as SHAED's "Trampoline"]], which was #3 on his Worst list for 2019.
** Confirmed #8.
* "Follow You" by Imagine Dragons: While this was only a minor hit, Todd called the track "a disaster" on ''Song vs. Song'', and he later called it [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1411749711191494656 Imagine Dragons' worst single of all time]], which sounds like he despises it enough to make this prime dishonorable mention material.
** Confirmed dishonorable mention. Todd later said that if it was eligible, it likely would've been [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1503460911537098752 #2]].
* "Peaches" by Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar and Giveon (peaked at #1): Todd said the hook gets [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1400169565783425028?s=20 stupider and more annoying]] every time he hears it.
** Confirmed #5.
* "The Good Ones" by Gabby Barrett (peaked at #19): Todd called it crap in the "Fancy Like" Pop Song Review.
** It was jossed.
* "Lil Bit" by Nelly & Florida Georgia Line (#70 on Billboard's Year-End list): It's a reunion of the guys behind "Cruise (Remix)", which was #9 on Todd's Worst list for 2013, and he was not kind to this when he talked about it on ''Song vs. Song'', and Nelly calling himself "the black Tom Brady" could be a contender for worst two seconds of the year (even though the song released in late 2020 but didn't chart until this year).
** It was jossed.
* "Beat Box" by [=SpotemGottem=] (peaked at #12): While Todd has shown to be kinder to the modern-day hip-hop scene than in the past, he'll probably just see this as yet another forgettable track by a no-name rapper that only got big through a meme. It doesn't help that the song's chart success was additionally boosted by not one, but several guest star remixes.
** It was jossed, but it was used as the credits music for the Worst list.
* "Glad You Exist" by Dan + Shay (#64 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd mentioned [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1363195914450468864 hating the new Dan + Shay track]] back in February, which was likely referring to this, and later called the [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1408136689218850817 "yeah yeah" parts]] in the song his vote for the Worst Two Seconds of the year (so far). He also confirmed that he thinks it's [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1430299849681899527 their worst song ever]], so expect this to get a high spot.
** Confirmed #3.
* "Wasted on You" by Morgan Wallen (peaked at #9): Todd responded to a tweet [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1408138619055841282 regarding the part where the trap hi-hats come in]], calling it worse than "Good Time". Despite Todd still being uncomfortable discussing Wallen though following the n-word controversy, he might reduce it to either a dishonorable mention or leave it off entirely.
** It was jossed.
* "Bad Habits" by Ed Sheeran (peaked at #2): If Todd felt "Perfect" and "I Don't Care" made Ed Sheeran look generic, then this, an average dance-pop tune with little of his unique characteristics present, surely isn't impressing him as [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1427668047733563398 this tweet]] hinted, calling it Ed's attempt at making a Maroon 5 song.
** Confirmed dishonorable mention, though only because of the video.
* "Fancy Like" by Walker Hayes (peaked at #3): This has been one of the most criticized country songs in recent memory for its monogenre production, trashy lyrics, and Hayes' mugging, and Todd's Pop Song Review panned it.
** Confirmed #6.
* "Am I The Only One" by Aaron Lewis (peaked at #14): It's a song that claims right-wing people are oppressed and whines about the "liberal media". Considering Todd's own political views, it's no surprise that his Pop Song Review of the track utterly thrashed it, especially for its racist defense of Confederate statues. Even taking personal disagreements out of the equation, Todd thought the song falls flat due to its whininess and insincerity, stating even Tom [=MacDonald=] has more of a point to his music. All things considered, this seems like the clear frontrunner for #1.
** Confirmed #1 worst hit song of 2021.
* "Drinkin' Beer. Talkin' God. Amen." by Chase Rice featuring Florida Georgia Line (#99 on Billboard's Year-End list): Another widely panned song featuring Florida Georgia Line, this time by the cowriter of "Cruise".
** It was jossed.
* "One Too Many" by Keith Urban and P!nk (#81 on Billboard's Year-End list): This isn't bro or boyfriend-country, but its production is highly pop-oriented and Todd hasn't been impressed with P!nk's output for a while.
** It was jossed.
* "Arcade" by Duncan Laurence (#82 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd's [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1396225977248673792 comments about it on Twitter]] and in the Eurovision Song vs Song podcast special suggests this will get a dishonourable mention at the very least, but it will probably make the list itself.
** Confirmed #2.
* "Way 2 Sexy" by Drake feat. Future and Young Thug and/or "Girls Want Girls" by Drake feat. Lil Baby ("Sexy" peaked at #1, "Girls" peaked at #2): [[https://twitter.com/shadowtodd/status/1441178729946910728?s=21 Todd hated Drake's latest album]] and mentioned how there weren't even any highlights on the record, so any chances of a track from ''Certified Lover Boy'' getting a spot on the Best list are off the table. These two songs in particular seem to be most likely to make the list given that the former has been the one with the most chart success so far and the latter was infamously received for the baffling premise of Drake and Lil Baby getting turned on and comparing themselves to lesbians.
** "Way 2 Sexy" confirmed #7, "Girls Want Girls" jossed, with Todd mentioning that at least people had things to say about that song, unlike the former.
* "Summer of Love" by Shawn Mendes & Tainy: Todd considers it [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1451608110116728832 one of his absolute worst]], calling it ''[[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1451608663014076417 worse]]'' than Music/TheBeachBoys' song of the same name. However, since it wasn't a hit, it's only eligible for a dishonorable mention.
** Confirmed dishonorable mention.
* "Mood" by 24kGoldn featuring Iann Dior: Even though it made the worst list proper last year, Todd's absolute hatred of it could possibly be a factor of this getting a dishonorable mention this year, considering it made the Year-End Top 5.
** It was jossed.
* "Let's Go Brandon", two songs by Losa Alexander and by Bryson Gray ft. Tyson James & Chandler Crump: Although both of these songs were very short lived on the charts, Todd might include them as dishonorable mentions just to call out the inclusion of politics and anti-Biden related subjects in charting tracks.
** Jossed, though they were mentioned while Todd was discussing his #1 pick.
[[WMG: Could Go Either Way]]
* "Anyone" by Justin Bieber (peaked at #6): Despite Todd's hatred of Justin Bieber as a singer, this is easily his most positively received single since the ''Purpose'' era, and his unfolding story may intrigue Todd in the same way that he at least admired "Lonely" in spite of its failure.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "What's Next" by Drake (peaked at #1): Todd's feelings about Drake have been incredibly hit-or-miss as of late. In some cases, he can still highly impress him with tracks like "Nice for What" or "Life Is Good", but on the flip side, Todd abhorred "Popstar" and "GREECE" and fears that Drake is turning into a dad-joke rapper like Eminem.
** It was jossed for both lists, but used as the credits music for the best list.
* "We're Good" by Dua Lipa (#90 on Billboard's Year-End list): It's another song by Dua Lipa, who Todd felt horrible to omit from his top 10 Best list last year, but this song's reception is nowhere near as good as the singles from the base edition of ''Future Nostalgia''.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Butter" and/or "Permission to Dance" by BTS (both peaked at #1): On one hand, Todd loved "Boy with Luv" and has enjoyed funky dance-pop like this a lot in the past. However, disco beats seem to have lost their novelty to him in recent years, not to mention he has the bravery to bash K-pop, having put "Ice Cream" at #9 on his Worst of 2020 list and even speaking lukewarmly about BTS' first #1, "Dynamite", which is similar to "Butter". In "Permission to Dance"'s case, not only was it divisive even among their fanbase, it was also accused of chart manipulation.
** Both songs jossed for both lists. Todd mentioned that while the former sounded good, he never considered putting it on the Best list.
* "Kiss Me More" by Doja Cat feat. SZA (peaked at #3): While Todd likes SZA and was starting to warm up to Doja Cat, this is another song that involves Dr. Luke. Also, the chorus interpolates "Physical" by Music/OliviaNewtonJohn, whom Todd hates.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Stay" by The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber (peaked at #1): Todd despises both of them, though this track has been considerably better-received than the majority of both artists' output. So far, he felt that [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1425558808424714240 the song avoided the worst traits of both artists but that the song should be offered to someone who's midway between them]].
** Jossed, though he mentioned liking more than disliking it during the #4 song on the Worst list.
* "On Me" by Lil Baby and/or "Every Chance I Get" by DJ Khaled ft. Lil Baby & Lil Durk ("On Me" peaked at #15; "Every" peaked at #20): Despite disliking Lil Baby at first, Todd hinted in the "Astronaut in the Ocean" Pop Song Review that he's much more generally impressed by him in 2021 than in previous years.
** "Every Chance I Get" confirmed honorable mention.
* "Astronaut in the Ocean" by Masked Wolf (peaked at #6): In his Pop Song Review of the track, Todd admitted to initially loving it for its hook but then took a ton of issue with the lyrics upon inspecting the track more closely. By the end of the year, he could either stop caring about the lyrics or grow so repulsed by them that they completely undermine whatever positives he originally found.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Wild Side" by Normani featuring Cardi B (peaked at #14): Although Todd likes Cardi B, he has yet to be particularly impressed by Normani as a solo artist despite putting her collabs with Khalid and Sam Smith on his Best lists.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Late at Night" by Roddy Ricch (peaked at #20): Todd has been on board with Ricch, even nearly putting "Ballin'" on his top 10 Best list last year, but this track hasn't been as well-received as most of his hits from 2020.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Deju Vu" by Olivia Rodrigo (peaked at #3): Its reception has been superior to "drivers license", but Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1428038804514820110?s=20 criticized]] one of its lyrics due to the show business background of Olivia and her ex-boyfriend, suggesting the celebrity narrative may harm the track's effectiveness for him.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Beggin'" by Måneskin (peaked at #13): Todd would either be happy to see some genuine rock music on the charts after years of synth-heavy bands providing much of the crossover hits or find this track underproduced and Damiano's abrasive vocals unbearable. He did mention he enjoyed them a lot in the Eurovision Song vs Song special and that he thought they were worthy winners. However, this track isn't as well received as their other songs have been.
** It was jossed for both lists, though Todd brought them up in a mildly positive light during the Worst list.
* "Wants and Needs" by Drake feat. Lil Baby (peaked at #2): Though it's by the same duo responsible for "Yes Indeed", which ranked ''very'' high on Todd's Worst of 2018 list, he has hinted to warming up to Lil Baby in 2021.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "abcdefu" by Gayle (peaked at #15): Todd could either see this as a hardcore breakup track or view it as an inferior Olivia Rodrigo song, not to mention she gained fame with [=TikTok=] which he might resent.
** Confirmed dishonorable mention.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Year-End Predictions (2022)]]
[[WMG: Best]]
* "Sacrifice" by The Weeknd (peaked at #11): A heavily praised track by The Weeknd that much like "Can't Feel My Face", another song Todd favored, has drawn parallels to Michael Jackson's works. He said he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1501993544998813696 loves the guitar intro]] but the rest of the song was "good enough", and blamed its collapse following the debut on The Weeknd not giving people time to miss him while "Save Your Tears" and "One Right Now" were prominent.
** Similarly, "Out of Time", another highly praised track that came up short, could end up an honorable mention.
*** Both were jossed.
* "Do We Have a Problem?" by Nicki Minaj featuring Lil Baby (peaked at #2): This track has been received pretty well overall, and Todd's opinion of Lil Baby has warmed with time.
** It was jossed.
* "You Should Probably Leave" by Chris Stapleton (#79 on Billboard's Year-End list): Chris Stapleton has received a lot of fanfare in general, and helping is how "Starting Over" made an appearance in the previous year's Best list video. [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1550380313485840384 This tweet]] heavily indicates its possible inclusion.
** Confirmed #8.
* "Smokin' Out the Window" by Silk Sonic (#41 on Billboard's Year-End list): Another very well received Silk Sonic track.
** It was jossed.
* "I Hate U" by SZA (#50 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd's a fan of SZA, as shown by "Love Galore" and "Good Days" respectively appearing on the 2017 and 2021 Best lists, and this one's reception has been very positive.
** It was jossed.
* "As It Was" by Harry Styles (#2 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd has viewed Harry Styles' work rather favorably since his second album. Todd felt [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559582951506972672 extremely positively]] about this track and later said that the drum fill near the end of the song was one of his biggest picks [[https://twitter.com/shadowtodd/status/1584953184816009216 for best two seconds of the year]]. However, in the ''Song vs. Song'' podcast, he said that his interest in the track had waned by the end of 2022, in large part due to Harry's antics pertaining to ''Film/DontWorryDarling'', so it's unlikely to rank high on the list, if it even makes it at all.
** Confirmed #3.
* "Cooped Up" by Post Malone featuring Roddy Ricch (peaked at #12): He said the song "[[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1541807704896811010 was growing on him]]".
** It was jossed.
* "About Damn Time" by Lizzo (#12 on Billboard's Year-End list): A well-received disco throwback similar to Lizzo's earlier single "Juice", which was an honorable mention on his 2019 Best list and would've gotten a proper spot had it qualified. [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559580415534309376 This tweet]] bodes well for it, and [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1584953184816009216 here]] he mentions the opening "ANYWAYYYY" as one of his top choices for the best two seconds of the year.
** Confirmed #7.
* "Get Into It (Yuh)" by Doja Cat (#68 on Billboard's Year-End list): This song has made a slow push up the charts, and despite Todd being more ambivalent on her, this has been one of the better received tracks from ''Planet Her''.
** It was jossed.
* "Break My Soul" by Beyoncé (#38 on Billboard's Year-End list): He liked it in his "Break My Soul" vs "Falling Back" review and named "Oh baby baby" [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1584962539733286913 the best two seconds of the year]].
** Confirmed #4.
* "'Til You Can't" by Cody Johnson (#34 on Billboard's Year-End list): The lyrical sentiment on this one might resonate well with Todd.
** It was jossed.
* "Something in the Orange" by Zach Bryan (#39 on Billboard's Year-End list): Although Todd has yet to speak about this one, it's one of the most-acclaimed hits of the year so far.
** It was jossed, though it was mentioned when discussing his #10 pick for the Best list.
* "Easy Lover" by Ellie Goulding featuring Big Sean: Todd has liked some of Ellie Goulding's hits save "Close to Me", and a return of Big Sean is something he'll likely welcome. This could end up an honorable mention.
** It was jossed.
* "Wait for U" by Future ft. Drake & Tems (#11 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd gets Future as of the 2020 Best list, and he implied [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559580415534309376 here]] that this song is not going to appear in the Worst list video. He also noted that the song [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559581799516254208?s=20&t=1drDwfwhGu6j0QGNnXucoQ grew on him]] heavily.
** Confirmed Honorable Mention.
* "Bad Habit" by Steve Lacy (#28 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd may appreciate it for its rawness and alternative leanings, and since he said [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559580415534309376 "Staying Alive"]] and [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559580490062893056 "First Class"]] were the only bad songs in a top 10 list that included this track, it's pretty much guaranteed not to make the Worst list.
** Confirmed #2.
* "Bad Decisions" by benny blanco, BTS & Snoop Dogg (peaked at #10): [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559580415534309376 This tweet]] implies that Todd likes it at least enough to keep it off of the Worst list video. If it makes the Best list or gets an honorable mention, expect him to mention Snoop Dogg's longevity as a hitmaker (his first top 10 hit was nearly 3 full decades before this one).
** It was jossed.
* "I Ain't Worried" by [=OneRepublic=] (#37 on Billboard's Year-End list): While we haven't heard much of [=OneRepublic=] in the way of real hits in the mainstream in recent years, Todd said he's been able to appreciate them since "Counting Stars" in 2013. On Twitter, Todd said that this song is [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1552751009188835328 not better than a 6 at most, but that he's rooting for it anyway]], so it probably won't make the list proper, but might at least get an honorable mention.
** Used as the opening song for the Best list.
* "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift (peaked at #1): Aside from being the biggest song on ''Midnights'', this one in particular seems most representative of [[https://twitter.com/shadowtodd/status/1584565101461270529 what Todd likes about the album]]. On the ''Song vs. Song'' podcast, Todd stated he clearly prefers it over "As It Was", a song he already really enjoyed (albeit less than before), so this track seems all but guaranteed to make the Best list, likely near or at the top.
** Confirmed #1.
* Anything from ''The Loneliest Time'' by Carly Rae Jepsen: Todd had previously put "Run Away with Me", "Cut to the Feeling" and "Too Much" as honorable mentions on his best lists despite neither being hits, so it's extremely likely a song from this album will be included as well.
** It was jossed. Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1616846272270598148 later admitted]] that he could've had the title track as an honorable mention, but forgot about it.
* "Her", "Plan B", or "Pressurelicious" by Megan Thee Stallion: Though ''Traumazine'' flopped commercially, it got rave reviews, and Todd usually loves Megan, so he may give one of these tracks an honorable mention.
** All were jossed.
* "She's All I Wanna Be" by Tate [=McRae=] (#94 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1594867878477471744 considers it]] a vast improvement over "You Broke Me First" the previous year, and despite still not liking [=McRae=] as a vocalist, he thinks she sounds more heartfelt in this.
** Confirmed Honorable Mention.
* Anything eligible by Bad Bunny[[note]]"Me Porto Bonito" with Chenco Corleone was #20 on Billboard's Year-End list, "Tití Me Preguntó" was #22, "Moscow Mule" #44, "Efecto" #69, "Party" with Rauw Alejandro #77, "Después de la Playa" #78, and "Ojitos Lindos" with Bomba Estéros #87[[/note]]: As Todd noted in the ''Song vs. Song'' podcast, 2022 was a fantastic year for Bad Bunny, and his opinion of him as a musician seemed quite positive.
** All traditionally eligible songs were jossed. Todd instead gave the minor hit "Neverita" an Honorable Mention, saying he preferred it over the big hits from ''Un Verano Sin Ti''.
* "THATS WHAT I WANT" by Lil Nas X (#14 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd may consider it one of Lil Nas X's more "complete"-sounding songs, and its upbeat production might appeal to him.
** It was jossed.
* "She Had Me At Heads Carolina" by Cole Swindell (#46 on Billboard's Year-End list): Considering Todd grew up with country music in the '90s, this song's lyrics may appeal to him.
** It was jossed.
* "Doin' This" by Luke Combs (#71 on Billboard's Year-End list): Despite not liking Luke Combs, Todd says he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1468070197831471105 "kinda likes"]] this song.
* "Never Say Never" by Cole Swindell with Lainey Wilson (#92 on Billboard's Year-End list): Despite country music's dominance on the 2022 Year-End list, this is one of the only eligible songs with a female vocalist. Considering how bored Todd has been by boyfriend country, he may find this track's soaring production a breath of fresh air.
** It was jossed.
* "Circles Around This Town" by Maren Morris (#100 on Billboard's Year-End list): After being delighted by the return of country music women to the pop charts in 2020, Todd may give special mention to this track for being the ''only'' solo female country song to make the Year-End list[[note]]Unless you count "All Too Well (Taylor's Version)"[[/note]] in a year dominated by males, and even then, just barely.
** It was jossed.
* "HEARTFIRST" by Kelsea Ballerini: Speaking of females in pop country, Todd has shown that he favors Kelsea Ballerini, including believing that she's deserved better for years and loving "Half of my Hometown". Although this song didn't chart, it's still a potential honorable mention.
** It was jossed.
* "Numb Little Bug" by Em Beihold (#32 on Billboard's Year-End list): [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1545888299914383360 Todd asked his followers what they thought about it]] (similar to "One Right Now" below) and received positive responses. Considering the song's lyrics describe anxiety and insecurity in-depth, Todd will likely find it both highly relatable as well as a captivating portrait of the zoomer mindset. He said he liked the song in the ''Song vs. Song'' podcast, so it will likely show up somewhere in the video.
** It did indeed show up in the Best list video...as the credits music. Otherwise, it was jossed.
* "Nobody Like U", "1 True Love", or "U Know What's Up" by [=4*Town=] (the former specifically peaked at #49): In the Worst list, Todd spoke positively about the songs Billie Eilish wrote for Disney this year, which presumably refers to these tracks from ''WesternAnimation/TurningRed''.
** It was jossed.
* Anything from ''SOS'' by SZA[[note]]"Kill Bill", "Nobody Gets Me", "Shirt", "Blind", "Low", "Love Language", "Seek & Destroy", "Snooze", "Used" feat. Don Toliver, "SOS", and "Special" all peaked within the top 20, excluding Christmas music from the charts[[/note]]: Todd called the album [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1606752278509228035?s=20&t=euKe9IuBZ7hoKFcmqEo9uA "insanely good"]] on Twitter. Even though the album came out super late in the year, Todd may work his favorite track into the Best list, anyway.
** Of the songs eligible, "Nobody Gets Me" in particular seems like it would appeal heavily to Todd, as he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1606819800713510915?s=20&t=euKe9IuBZ7hoKFcmqEo9uA specifically brought up]] that he loves when non-rock artists make rock songs[[note]]Or at least something a rock artist would record, in this case[[/note]], plus the track's lyrics may easily resonate with him.
** "Shirt" is also a very likely candidate, as it's another song about finding joy in miserable times, a recurring theme of Todd's Best list entries.
** "[=F2F=]", while not eligible for the list itself[[note]]it peaked at #32, not including Christmas music[[/note]] could likely receive an honorable mention, as it's the most overtly rock song on the album.
*** "Kill Bill" was confirmed as an Honorable Mention.
* "Bones" by Imagine Dragons (peaked at #47): Todd stated that he was [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1609245137183604736?s=20&t=lfNpHd8WjGdMVZAj9ew7qw more fond of Imagine Dragons' singles]] in 2022 than usual, and he called this track in particular [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1609249057612128257?s=20&t=lfNpHd8WjGdMVZAj9ew7qw ridiculous in a good way]].
** It was jossed.
* "Until I Found You" by Stephen Sanchez with or without Em Beihold (peaked at #38): Another fluke [=TikTok=] hit, which Todd may appreciate because of how unique it is in the present pop context, borrowing heavily from '50s doo-wop music.
** It was jossed.
* "Lift Me Up" by Rihanna (peaked at #2): It's Rihanna's first big single in several years, and Todd will probably find it a moving power ballad, especially as it pertains to the [[Film/BlackPantherWakandaForever movie]] that it came from.
** It was jossed.
* "So Good" by Halsey (peaked at #51): Todd agreed with a [[https://twitter.com/steelstepladder/status/1584959583281614850?s=20&t=unT5NW4krCSOBWDsTAcH0A Twitter reply]] calling "I know his name... I think about him every day" the best two seconds of the year, adding that [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1584962138841677825?s=20&t=unT5NW4krCSOBWDsTAcH0A "If there's any weight I carry"]] may be an even better moment from the same song. It wasn't a huge hit, but it charted higher than the Mitchell Tenpenny song that made his Worst list and came up just short of the Year-End list in part to 2021 hits and Christmas music, so this seems like a near-lock for the Best list.
** It was jossed.
* "We Cry Together" by Kendrick Lamar and Taylour Paige (peaked at #16): Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1613925624091148289?s=20&t=XVVthlJeR0Y5HSY3YRqxZw praised]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1613934436273516545?s=20&t=XVVthlJeR0Y5HSY3YRqxZw it]] on Twitter, suggesting he may be planning on including it on the Best list.
** It was jossed. Todd went with "The Heart Part 5" as his Kendrick pick instead.
There were four songs that made the Best list that nobody predicted: "Son of a Sinner" by Jelly Roll at #10, "F.N.F (Let's Go)" by Hitkidd and [=GloRilla=] at #9, "The Heart Part 5" by Kendrick Lamar at #6, and "23" by Music/SamHunt at #5.
[[WMG: Worst]]
* "abcdefu" by Gayle (#17 on Billboard's Year-End list): As he mentioned previously, there was the chance he could hate it more to the point where it'd end up on the list proper this time, especially after finding out [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1592568245965713408 it was nominated for a Grammy]], something that previously pushed both "7 Years" and "Yummy" to the top spot of their respective years' lists. If it makes it in, expect him to mention the story of the song supposedly being a marketing ploy forced on her by her record label.
** Confirmed #4. Also, the first bumper music of his to end up on the list.
* "Big Energy" by Latto (#7 on Billboard's Year-End list): [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1487483733955338241 Todd thinks]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1510628643344732163 it's awful]], and [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1510640448712314880 he later said]] that the sample is astonishingly lazy and obvious, Latto couldn't be more transparent about her commercialism, and any mention of "big dick energy" gets an immediate thumbs down. In the ''Song vs. Song'' podcast, Todd already had it nailed to the list. Expect this to be pretty high.
** Confirmed #3.
* "Fingers Crossed" by Lauren Spencer-Smith (#75 on Billboard's Year-End list): A petty teenage relationship drama song that is sure to bode badly with Todd.
** Confirmed Dishonorable Mention.
* "Buy Dirt" by Jordan Davis feat. Luke Bryan (#49 on Billboard's Year-End list): [[https://twitter.com/shadowtodd/status/1488578942055628800 He hates it]].
** It was jossed.
* "Sweetest Pie" by Megan Thee Stallion & Dua Lipa (#62 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd was pretty underwhelmed by it in his Pop Song Review, and feels that it's a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1510628643344732163 half-assed attempt to be Doja Cat]]. Although he didn't outright hate it at first, it's possible it will sour on him by year's end, due to its role in Megan Thee Stallion's commercially disappointing 2022.
** It was jossed, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1607481741672910851?cxt=HHwWhsC4tZKI9s4sAAAA he didn't dislike it enough]].
* "Emo Girl" by Machine Gun Kelly ft. Willow: This song has been widely panned for its juvenile lyricism combined with bad vocals from MGK himself. Todd referred to the song's chorus as a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1495846500840374276 disaster]], and he generally agrees with the consensus that the lyrics completely ruined the song. However, since it peaked at #77, it can only make it as far as the dishonorable mentions, barring a sudden late year resurgence.
** Confirmed Dishonorable Mention, Todd said that, had it qualified, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1607761989467512832?cxt=HHwWgICxmdvA9c8sAAAA it would've been #5]].
* "I Like You (A Happier Song)" by Post Malone featuring Doja Cat (#26 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd said he found it "very annoying" while mentioning "Cooped Up" above. The lines "cause I'm bout to pull this girl like a hammy" and "your heart's so big, but that ass is huge" could both be candidates for worst two seconds of the year.
** Confirmed #7.
* "AA" by Walker Hayes (#61 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd already bashed "Fancy Like", and while this one hasn't been quite as hated as Hayes' earlier hit, it's unlikely this will win him over.
** It was jossed.
* "psychofreak" by Camila Cabello ft. Willow: It wasn't a real hit, but since Todd [[https://twitter.com/newrockytweets/status/1551988094274048002 liked]] a tweet slamming it as the worst song of the year, it's probably a lock for the dishonorable mentions section. Expect Todd to criticize it for Camila's odd chemistry with Willow and inability to live up to the song title.
** It was jossed.
* "Falling Back" by Drake (peaked at #7): He wasn't kind to it in his "Break My Soul" vs "Falling Back" review.
** It was jossed.
* "Staying Alive" by DJ Khaled ft. Drake and Lil Baby (peaked at #5): Todd called it a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559580415534309376 "pretty big turd"]] on Twitter. Expect him to criticize its lazy sample of the Bee Gees song of the same name.
** Confirmed Dishonorable Mention.
* "First Class" by Jack Harlow (#6 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd said that it [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559580490062893056 "needs to go away already"]]. As with "Big Energy" and "Super Freaky Girl", he called it guilty of [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562859186735570944 "ultra-lazy"]] sampling, in this case of "Glamorous" by Fergie. In the 2022 MTV [=VMAs=] podcast he said that he initially liked it but the song grew off him a lot over time, so by December he could consider it a Worst List contender. Todd said on Twitter that [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1564503966146121728 his #9 pick wouldn't have made the list if he didn't have to hear it 6,000 times]], which could most likely be referring to this.
** Confirmed #9, and indeed what the Tweet was referring to.
* "Like I Love Country Music" by Kane Brown (#85 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd said it was one of his [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562134388711649280 least favorite Nashville songs]] of 2022, citing it as an irritating example of [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562132835175018502 "country stuff music"]].
** It was jossed.
* "Super Freaky Girl" by Nicki Minaj (#56 on Billboard's Year-End list): Despite his love of Nicki, Todd criticized it for its [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562859186735570944 ultra-lazy]] sample of Rick James' "Super Freak", the same song used for MC Hammer's "U Can't Touch This".
** It was jossed, though it was mentioned when discussing his #3 worst pick, saying that he only kept it out of the list "out of lingering affection for Nicki's superior skills".
* "Wasted on You" by Morgan Wallen (#19 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd was already [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1408138619055841282 not a fan of the song]], and while it missed last year's Worst list, its second wind in 2022 could have soured his opinion of it even further, as it has essentially reestablished Wallen as the biggest star in Nashville despite the racism scandal and there already being plenty of other male country singers with big hits this year[[note]]In contrast to females underperforming once again[[/note]].
** It was jossed.
* "You Proof" by Morgan Wallen (#27 on Billboard's Year-End list): It's one of Wallen's worst-received singles to date. Todd may find it to be an awkward premise for a drinking song, not helped by its production.
** It was jossed.
* "The Kind of Love We Make" by Luke Combs (#36 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd doesn't like Luke Combs.
** It was jossed.
* "I'm Good (Blue)" by David Guetta & Bebe Rexha (peaked at #7): It's yet another ultra-lazy sample, this time of "Blue (Da Ba Dee)", a song Todd didn't care for in the first place. But whereas he can at least respect the addictive stupidity of the Eiffel 65 original, this version has lyrics he'd surely consider incredibly flavorless, not helped by Bebe Rexha being the singer. He spoke negatively about it in the "Unholy" Pop Song Review, so it so far looks like a sure contender for the list.
** Confirmed #1.
* "5 Foot 9" by Tyler Hubbard (#67 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1574815360322134018 mentioned]] that although Hubbard's rid himself of the Trumpy half of [=FGL=], he's still not a good artist.
** It was jossed.
* "Boyfriend" by Dove Cameron (#51 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd said he didn't like it in the "Unholy" Pop Song Review, though considering he didn't have much strong to say about it beyond not thinking the "dark cabaret" aesthetic was sexy, it'll likely either be low on the list or a dishonorable mention.
** It was jossed.
* "Under the Influence" by Chris Brown (peaked at #12 in 2023): He's ''still'' not gone, even though like Sia's "Unstoppable", this is a 2010s song that got popular later thanks to [=TikTok=].
** It was jossed.
* "Made You Look" by Meghan Trainor (peaked at #12): Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1589673987738865664?s=20&t=gCwiVyBS4HzXUXs8PDCx7w stated]] that although he has a grudging respect for Meghan Trainor for her uniqueness, he thinks we really shouldn't have brought her back. Although it technically only peaked at #24 on the week of December 3, its actual position that week would have been #18 if you did not include the 6 Christmas songs above it, so by Todd's [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1605247315417055233?s=20&t=ohUuTe25Mj-jr2j8X4Ht3w updated rules]], it's eligible for the Worst list proper.
** Confirmed #6.
* "Creepin'" by Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, and 21 Savage: While this might be a bit too new for Todd to work it into his video, it's yet another song with an incredibly obvious sample, this time of "I Don't Wanna Know" by Mario Winans.
** It was jossed. Todd would later comment about it in his "[[Music/LukeCombs Fast Car]]" review, though.
* "Ghost" by Justin Bieber (#8 on Billboard's Year-End list): Bieber has been a constant presence on Todd's Worst lists over the past couple of years, and the sound of his voice was enough to prevent "Stay" with The Kid Laroi from making the 2021 Best list, so the chances of him truly enjoying this song are very slim.
** It was jossed.
* "Circo Loco" by Drake & 21 Savage: The song has garnered controversy over a line in Drake's verse allegedly dissing Megan Thee Stallion regarding her shooting incident in 2020, which similar to the "Savage" reference below, is unlikely to sit well with Todd. The "[[Music/DaftPunk One More Time]]" sample isn't likely to help either.
** It was jossed.
* "Broadway Girls" by Lil Durk feat. Morgan Wallen (#81 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd disliked "Wasted on You" due to its production, so it's unlikely that he'd enjoy this trap-country mashup featuring Morgan Wallen, either.
** Confirmed Dishonorable Mention.
* "Take My Name" by Parlamee (#82 on Billboard's Year-End list): Another boyfriend country song that Todd will surely find schlocky and insincere.
** It was jossed.
* "Trouble with a Heartbreak" by Jason Aldean (#88 on Billboard's Year-End list): Aldean's extremely problematic politics could be enough of a knock against this song's listenability for Todd that he puts it somewhere in his Worst list video.
** It was jossed.
* "Lovesick" by Maroon 5: In 2022, Adam Levine ''finally'' failed to have a hit of any kind throughout the year, but Todd may give it a dishonorable mention anyway, similar to "Nobody's Love" two years earlier.
** It was jossed, but Maroon 5 the name was included anyway with no song, as Todd had a placeholder, just in case.
* "Dah Dah [=DahDah=]" by Nardo Wick (peaked at #48): Although it didn't make the Year-End list, Todd may still count it based on his [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1605245770885894144 upgdated criteria]]. He specifically [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562859994583773185?s=20&t=fbBoQ6cvooS1LS5i2IBwBA singled]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562860836330168322?s=20&t=fbBoQ6cvooS1LS5i2IBwBA out]] this track as the worst "Tom's Diner" sample in a period oversaturated with them, so it will likely make the Worst list proper.
** It was jossed.
* "Betty (Get Money)" by Yung Gravy (peaked at #30): He said at first that he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562857963659751430 "had been trying to work out for months"]] how he felt about "Never Gonna Give You Up" being sampled by a white Soundcloud rapper, and declared that he's [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562859714676793345 "not sure that's excusable"]]. Even though it missed the Year-End list, Todd will almost certainly qualify it, since it peaked higher than several other tracks that did make the list, and its exclusion was simply due to the list's overabundance of Christmas and 2021 songs.
** It was jossed, though it was mentioned when discussing his #9 worst pick, where he thought it was "actually one of the better [uses of samples]".
* "True Love" by Kanye West and [=XXXTentacion=] (peaked at #22): To put it casually, 2022 wasn't exactly a great year for Kanye, but even ignoring his later controversies, this song in particular could strike Todd as particularly tasteless, since it repurposes posthumous vocals to be about Kanye's own personal problems rather than anything pertaining to [=XXXTentacion=]. The track did not make the top 20, but Todd will likely still qualify it for his list because of his broader criteria.
** It was jossed.
* "Thousand Miles" by The Kid LAROI (peaked at #15): Considering Laroi's voice was a primary factor that denied "Stay" a spot on the 2021 Best list, it's not likely Todd will enjoy this enough to make this year's Best list.
** It was jossed.
There was one song that made the Worst list that nobody predicted: "Truth About You" by Mitchell Tenpenny, at #2.
[[WMG: Could Go Either Way]]
* "Enemy" by Imagine Dragons & JID (#15 on Billboard's Year-End list): Even though Todd still thinks it's "[[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1481116820471906305 too Imagine Dragons-y]]" for his tastes, he thinks Imagine Dragons [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1481116938851926018 pull off an "everybody hates me" angle]] better than Music/TheChainsmokers.
** Confirmed Honorable Mention on the Best List.
* "One Right Now" by Post Malone & The Weeknd (#30 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd didn't speak much on this track last year when it first came, so his opinion on it is unknown, but [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1465886486348267529 he asked his followers for some opinions on it]] and most were negative. So he might include it here as a holdover after not doing so last year.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Light Switch" by Charlie Puth and "Left and Right" featuring Jung Kook of BTS: Puth has been a mixed bag for Todd since his arrival on the scene.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Oh My God" by Adele (#72 on Billboard's Year-End list): It's Adele, but this one has not been received quite as well as her bigger hits.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Glimpse of Us" by Music/{{Joji}} (#52 on Billboard's Year-End list): It is Joji's biggest hit so far in the US and worldwide, and the critical reception has been very positive. However, given that it's a stripped down piano ballad and its viral popularity on [=TikTok=], it's unknown how Todd would respond to it.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Bam Bam" by Camila Cabello featuring Ed Sheeran (#66 on Billboard's Year-End list): Although Todd is no fan of Camila and previously stated that "Ed Sheeran clearly should not be making music with Camila Cabello" after having hated their previous collaboration, "South of the Border", it's possible he'll think Ed fits this song specifically much better, since it's naturally backed by a guitar and has lyrics that he may feel suit Sheeran better than his other recent output.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Late Night Talking" (#25 on Billboard's Year-End list) and "Music for a Sushi Restaurant" by Harry Styles: Todd has effectively ensured "As It Was" will be on the best list, and at the very end of the "Sweetest Pie" review he implied he was hoping for more from Styles. These two songs might strike him well, though their reception (particularly the latter) has been a little iffy.
** "Music for a Sushi Restaurant" was confirmed #8 on the Worst List.
* "Cold Heart (Pnau Remix)" by Elton John and Dua Lipa (#10 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd has been critical of songs and "ultra lazy" sampling as of late, and while he has had generally favorable opinions regarding Dua Lipa, he stated in the "Sweetest Pie" review that this song makes absolutely no sense. However, in response to a [[https://twitter.com/circles2456/status/1562864567402672128 list of recent songs with samples]] on Twitter, he said he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562865012380557313 thinks it's fine]], so as was the case in 2021, it probably won't be on one of his lists for 2022, either.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Vegas" by Doja Cat (#47 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd has ragged on the "ultra lazy" sampling concept as of late, but he thinks this song is [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1562865012380557313 fine]], so it probably won't make either of his year-end lists unless something causes his opinion to change.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)" by Lizzo: Todd has been favorable overall towards Lizzo but not self-empowerment anthems.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* Anything from ''Midnights'' by Taylor Swift except "Anti-Hero": [[https://twitter.com/shadowtodd/status/1584565101461270529 His opinion on the album]] was that it "sounds like an album that was made during moments when Taylor couldn't sleep", which makes it sound "samey and formless, but it also captures insomniac derangement in a way I find very relatable".
** Everything was jossed for both lists.
* "Unholy" by Sam Smith and Kim Petras (#98 on Billboard's Year-End list): As explained in his Pop Song Review, Todd hated it at first and still finds it heavily flawed, but came to appreciate it more, not just for being a milestone song for trans and nonbinary representation in popular music, but also because it's a novel single in an otherwise boring year for popular music.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Unstoppable" by Sia: Even though this came out in 2016, the chart success of this SelfEmpowermentAnthem this year could make Todd uncomfortable, especially in the aftermath of the ''Film/{{Music|2021}}'' controversy, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1572959831824154625 which]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1572961177818243074 these]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1572962632285704193 tweets]] show that he has not cast aside. That said, as Todd has consistently really liked Sia's work, he could likely separate the art from the artist in this case. While this song did not make the Year-End list, that's only because its success was relatively late in the year and several songs on the actual list were 2021 holdovers or Christmas songs; considering it peaked at #28, it would have ''easily'' made the Year-End list had its timing not been unlucky.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Sunroof" by Nicky Youre (#29 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd seemed to [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559580415534309376 imply]] that he enjoyed it, but he also [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559581799516254208 cautioned]] that he could see himself getting sick of it soon.
** Used as the credits music for the Worst list.
* "CUFF IT" by Beyonce (peaked at #13): As with the Harry Styles and Taylor Swift tracks mentioned above, he was favorable towards its #1 peaking predecessor, but hasn't said anything about it in detail.
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Rich Flex" by Drake and 21 Savage (peaked at #2): It's a multi-suite trap song (like "SICKO MODE") by two rappers who have had recent high points for Todd, but his overall opinion of Drake has been more negative as of late, and he may not respond well to 21 Savage coopting Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage".
** It was jossed for both lists, although Todd did mention that he liked the album "for the most part" on the best list, but whether that includes this or "Circo Loco" above is unknown.
* "Die for You" by The Weeknd (peaked at #12): While Todd has overall positive feelings about The Weeknd, he may find it weird that this 2016 song only became a hit in 2022, not to mention he hasn't been impressed by all of his slower jams (such as "Earned It").
** It was jossed for both lists.
* "Hrs and Hrs" by Muni Long (#57 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd could either find it a soothing [=R&B=] throwback or a dull, sleepy barely-a-song.
** Confirmed Honorable Mention on the Best List.
* "Victoria's Secret" by Jax (peaked at #35): Another song that Todd will probably consider eligible, despite not technically making the Year-End list, as it was screwed by coming out late in the year and peaking amidst a flood of album bomb and holiday tracks. While he'll probably consider this track to be outside his demographic, he may appreciate its rock-driven production and/or find its lyrics genuine.
** Confirmed #5 on the Worst List. Todd felt the lyrics were too redundant and misguided to be seen as genuine and endearing.
* "Hold My Hand" by Lady Gaga (peaked at #49): Another song that Todd would probably qualify based on his [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1605245770885894144 updated criteria]], despite it not being eligible based on his traditional rules. Todd could either find it a moving power ballad by a talented vocalist, or criticize it for said vocalist depriving herself of personality on a [[TheFourChordsOfPop Pop Song Chords]] track.
** It was jossed for both lists.
[[WMG: Probably Not Up For Consideration]]
* "We Don't Talk About Bruno" by the ''WesternAnimation/{{Encanto}}'' cast (#24 on Billboard's Year-End list): In the "Sweetest Pie" Pop Song Review, he described it as "a show tune, not a pop song", which likely disqualifies it. Even if that's not the case, he said that it had a good, catchy tune, but also described it as "for 8-year-olds", so it's probably neither bad enough for the Worst list nor interesting or compelling enough for the Best list anyway.
** It was jossed from both lists. In his Worst List, Todd said he thought the song was just simply fine.]]
* "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" by Music/KateBush (#23 on Billboard's Year-End list): Much like "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac recharting a few years ago, this acclaimed 80s classic has re-entered the charts and even greatly surpassed its original chart run, thanks to being featured in an episode of ''Series/StrangerThings''. Todd has confirmed the song would not make the list proper [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1559582089695047680 though he does love it.
** Rita Ora's rendition during Rock in Rio was a Dishonorable Mention on the worst list. On the other hand, the real "Running Up That Hill" was listed as an Honorable Mention on the Best List, with Todd clarifying that it did not count. If it had, it would've been #1 instantly, which is not fair.
* "Surface Pressure" by Jessica Darrow (#53 on Billboard's Year-End list): Another song from ''Encanto''. Like "We Don't Talk About Bruno" and previous Disney animated musical hit "[[WesternAnimation/Frozen2013 Let It Go]]", Todd would presumably not consider it a real pop hit.
** Confirmed #10 on the Worst List. In essence, Todd has a negative bias towards Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the song, and he also said that Jessica Darrow, the voice actress of Luisa Madrigal, can't really sing, at least not when she's doing the "Luisa voice".
* Anything Christmas-related: Although several holiday songs technically qualify each year, Todd leans strictly towards new hits rather than returnees and did not give an honorable mention to "All I Want For Christmas Is You" the first year it went to #1, despite his vocal praise of the song.
[[WMG: Guesses for Worst list bumper music]]
* "One Right Now" by Post Malone and The Weeknd: Post Malone's resounding barking of the line "you think it's so easy, fucking with my feelings" sounds fitting to describe Todd's resentment towards these bad songs.
* "Break My Soul" by Beyonce: These songs won't break Todd's soul, and he's "telling everybody". Tearing into them allows him to "release the stress" and "forget the rest".
* "Unholy" by Sam Smith and Kim Petras: These songs are doing something unholy.
* "abcdefu" by GAYLE: The song itself is probably slated for the Worst list, but since Todd gave a dishonorable mention to "I Knew You Were Trouble" despite using it as his 2013 bumper music, this isn't totally out of consideration.
** Confirmed bumper music.
* "I Hate U" by SZA: If these songs are wondering if Todd hates them, he does, and it's shitty of them to make him feel just like this.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Year-End Predictions (2023)]]
[[WMG: Worst]]
* "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus (#2 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd expressed [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1614819994797510658?s=20&t=hsSl7CfclQrDxOzImZpJ0w major]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1614820560164524032?s=20&t=hsSl7CfclQrDxOzImZpJ0w disapproval]] towards the song, saying it would be a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1614826007726522368?s=20&t=hsSl7CfclQrDxOzImZpJ0w tragedy]] if it denied "Kill Bill" the #1 spot. However, he later clarified that he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1619014284486512642 didn't actually dislike it]], so chances are good that it only makes it due to overplay, if at all. Todd later stated in the "Song Vs. Song" podcast that he was still not very fond of the song though he stated he found it mediocre though he didn't hate it.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed dishonorable mention.]]
* "The Color Violet" by Tory Lanez (peaked at #63): Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1619484550664683522?s=20&t=KHYPTEOp-lA8Wfon4emiag absolutely]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1619485866719866881?s=20&t=KHYPTEOp-lA8Wfon4emiag panned]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1619486672873455616?s=20&t=KHYPTEOp-lA8Wfon4emiag it]]. If he considers it enough of a hit by his new criteria, it seems virtually guaranteed to make the list.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Last Night" by Morgan Wallen (#1 on Billboard's Year-End list): He said it might be his [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1625538890101833728?s=20&t=2j2SHjLMz_R62vlpmhNrZA "least favorite of Morgan Wallen's songs by a lot,"]] even saying he would rather listen to "Up Down" - which for context was his breakthrough hit from 2018 that featured ''Florida Georgia Line''. Based on his scathing Pop Song Review of the track comparing it to Maroon 5 and ranking it dead last among its parent album's 36 tracks, not to mention his [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1644242782045831168?s=20 fury]] at its [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1644244127952035841?s=20 continued success]], expect it to place ''very'' high on the Worst list.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed #1 Worst Hit Song of 2023.]]
* "Mother" by Meghan Trainor: A track built off a sample of "Mr. Sandman" by the Chordettes, Todd derided this as [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1631068654707281920?s=20 in the running]] for Trainor's worst song ever, [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1631069494897520644?s=20 rivalling "Marvin Gaye"]], a song which topped one of his Worst lists. It failed to chart, however, so even with Todd's expanded criteria, it probably won't get anything more than a dishonorable mention.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Thank God" by Kane and Katelyn Brown (#23 on Billboard's Year-End list): Despite how favorable Todd was towards country last year, this song isn't one he's likely to enjoy, and it's possible he could blend it into the same mold as Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani's "Nobody but You", which made his 2020 Worst list.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Peaches" by Jack Black (peaked at #56): Todd has expressed on Twitter that he thinks the song [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1647641865204961280?s=20 "fucking sucks"]] and considers it to be the [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1647642662860881920?s=20 worst part]] of the [[WesternAnimation/TheSuperMarioBrosMovie Mario movie]]. Could probably be an honorable mention or even a proper entry on the worst list.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed dishonorable mention.]]
* "Players" by Coi Leray (#33 on Billboard's Year-End list): Another lazy sample track akin to "Big Energy", this time of "[[Music/GrandmasterFlashAndTheFuriousFive The Message]]", which, like "Genius of Love" before it, was already the basis of two previous [[Music/IceCube hit]] [[Music/SeanCombs songs]]. Todd mentioned in [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1672316239342096384 a response tweet]] to WebVideo/SpectrumPulse's [[https://twitter.com/SpectrumPulse/status/1672267527970254848 tweet]] about Coi Leray's sample flips that they are terrible for reasons beyond their obviousness, ensuring this could make the list.
** "Baby Don't Hurt Me" by David Guetta featuring Anne-Marie and Coi Leray (peaked at #48): And on those notes, here's another lazy sampling song, this time of "What is Love" by Haddaway, which is already bad enough an indictment towards it, and David Guetta was also behind "I'm Good (Blue)", his most hated hit song from 2022. It recently cracked the top 50, making it destined for the list.
** [[spoiler: "Baby Don't Hurt Me" confirmed #4. "Players" was jossed, but briefly brought up while discussing it.]]
* "Endless Fashion" by Lil Uzi Vert featuring Nicki Minaj (peaked at #20): And speaking of "I'm Good (Blue)", here's another song that samples "Blue (Da Ba Dee)". Even though "Super Freaky Girl" managed to avoid making last year's list thanks to Nicki's skills, this is likely to come off worse. A line like "made my ass great again (MAGA)" is a potential worst two seconds of the year contender.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "The Scuttlebut" by Awkwafina and Daveed Diggs: Yet another Disney soundtrack song written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this time for ''Film/TheLittleMermaid2023''. It suffers from painful lyrics similar to those in "Surface Pressure", in addition to having a polarizing actress rapping it. However, since it hasn't charted at all, it's only worth a dishonorable mention at best.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Search and Rescue" by Drake (#45 on Billboard's Year-End list): Aside from Todd potentially being fatigued by Drake after many years, he said the line "I know I'm a pit bull, but dale, mami" [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1659023102377066497 was worse than any line Pitbull ever wrote]], making that a candidate for his worst two seconds of the year.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed #8.]]
* "What a Night" by Flo Rida: Another lazy sampling song, this time of "December 1963 (Oh What a Night)" by The Four Seasons. While its exposure hasn't been big save being used as the theme song for Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN, Todd could make it a dishonorable mention for the sheer "why" factor on how Flo Rida hasn't gone away for good yet.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Vampire" by Olivia Rodrigo (#30 on Billboard's Year-End list): While he admired many of Olivia's previous songs, he called her lead single on her sophomore album a [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1674663849193250816?s=20 disaster]] claiming [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1674666025563074561?s=20 it has no hook and a retread of her work on her debut album]]. Todd did state though that his impressions could change later though on the "Song Vs. Song" podcast, he admitted he still hated the song. As he asked his viewers their picks for the [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1689753448617570304 worst two seconds in pop music of 2023]] through August, there were quite a few replies citing the "fame fucker" line.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed #9.]]
* "Mind Your Business" by will.i.am and Britney Spears: Todd famously hated the duo's first collaboration single "Scream and Shout" and their new collaboration isn't any better and arguably might be worse. However, since it didn't chart, it's only eligible for a dishonorable mention.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Karma" by Taylor Swift featuring Ice Spice (#27 on Billboard's Year-End list): He questioned how Ice Spice [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1668692959267786752 was such a welcome addition to "Boy's a liar" as mentioned below and such a terrible addition to this]]. He said [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1668732739603005441 the song itself was fine]] but couldn't understand how Ice Spice made it worse. So while it likely won't be on either list proper, the duet version could potentially be a dishonorable mention for that alone.
** [[spoiler: Jossed, but used as the piano intro.]]
* "Cinderella Snapped" by Jax: He put "Victoria's Secret" on his "Worst of 2022", and [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1631755182970396674 he tweeted]] negatively on the song and being a ShallowParody of Disney Princesses.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Try That In A Small Town" by Jason Aldean (#66 on Billboard's Year-End list): The blatantly jingoistic lyrics that have been interpreted as being pro-lynching will horrify Todd, making it a shoe in for #1 spot, just like "Am I The Only One?" in 2021.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed #2.]]
* "Rich Men North of Richmond" by Oliver Anthony (#78 on Billboard's Year-End list): On that note, another Republican anthem that whinges about the same topics as other songs in that vein, which is likely to end up on the video in some fashion. Though Anthony's genuinely great singing voice could be the song's one saving grace for Todd. He went in detail about how Oliver Anthony is from [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1692368852636561422 Farmville, Virginia]], a place he's known well, ultimately concluding that someone [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1692371736015049189?s=20 should try to find out what he thinks about these topics which should be pretty close to home for him]]. Todd also thinks [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1694199992259326216 that the song got big through chart manipulation]] so expect him to bring that up when discussing the song.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed #5.]]
* "Daylight" by David Kushner (#62 on Billboard's Year-End list): Labeled by quite a few as a ripoff of Hozier - and Todd hated "Take Me to Church" in 2014 - this track isn't likely to land in his good graces.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed #7.]]
* "We Didn't Start the Fire" by Fall Out Boy (peaked at #94): This cover of Billy Joel's classic has caught quite a bit of flack even from Fall Out Boy fans themselves. Despite the debacle that Todd faced after putting "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light 'Em Up)" on his 2013 worst list, giving this a dishonorable mention is much less likely to be as controversial. He said that it "[[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1703955773485973901 had competition for the worst cover of the year]]" when introduced to Chris Stapleton and Snoop Dogg's new Monday Night Football theme on ESPN.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Seven" by Jungkook featuring Latto (#82 on Billboard's Year-End list): As Todd asked his viewers for their picks for the [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1689753448617570304 worst two seconds of 2023]], there were a handful of replies stating the line "I'll be fucking you right". And it features Latto of "Big Energy", which he hated, and her verse even calls back to it.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed. He said on Bluesky that it was "[[https://bsky.app/profile/shadowtodd.bsky.social/post/3kbnhvdruvf2m a solid 7]]".]]
* "Single Soon" by Selena Gomez (peaked at #19): Todd's disdain for Selena Gomez has been well established, and the song's overall reception hasn't been good.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Better Place" by NSYNC (peaked at #25): While he has admired Justin Timberlake outside the group, Todd has famously stated that he hates NSYNC and their songs ("Backstreet forever"), so it's hard to imagine that he'll be a fan of their new comeback single for the third ''Trolls'' movie especially as he was only lukewarm on the song from the first film, "Can't Stop the Feeling!".
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "God Gave Me a Girl" by Russell Dickerson (peaked at #81): Its chart performance isn't impressive, but considering Todd's vocal hatred for Russell Dickerson, he may mention this track, anyway.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Lil Boo Thang" by Paul Russell (peaked at #27): Yet another lazy and super short sampling song, this one of "Best of My Love" by The Emotions. Not much more to it than that.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Houdini" by Dua Lipa (peaked at #11): When Todd's ''Song vs. Song'' cohost Lina lamented this track's quick fall from the charts, he responded [[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1729550054753538343?s=20 rather negatively]], though since he admitted to [[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1729550806452506892?s=20 liking the production]], it probably wouldn't rank high, if it even makes the list at all.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
There were three songs that made the Worst list that nobody predicted: [[spoiler: "K-Pop" by Travis Scott featuring Bad Bunny and The Weeknd at #10, "Can't Have Mine" by Dylan Scott at #6, and "Slime You Out" by Drake featuring SZA at #3]], as well as two dishonorable mentions: [[spoiler: "Golden Hour" by JVKE and "Watermelon Moonshine" by Lainey Wilson.]]
[[WMG: Best]]
* "Nobody Gets Me" by SZA (#77 on Billboard's Year-End list): In the 2022 Best list, Todd said ''SOS'' was released too late in the year for him to work into the top 10, so [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1606752278509228035?s=20&t=euKe9IuBZ7hoKFcmqEo9uA expect at least one song]] from the album to make his 2023 list instead. He specifically [[https://twitter.com/shadowtodd/status/1617017974405361664?s=46&t=CEdvj8hlTC0oI9iXe2OaLg singled]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1617018737093390336?s=20&t=G39UWUNs3Pr7ppO3YZqQMg out]] this track as among his five favorites.
** The other four highlighted, "[=F2F=]", "Special", "Gone Girl" and "Ghost in the Machine" (feat. Phoebe Bridgers) (peaked at #55, #37, #43 and #40 respectively) could likely be honorable mentions, as they weren't officially released as singles.
** [[spoiler:All of the above jossed; instead, "Snooze" was confirmed as an honorable mention.]]
* "Escapism" by RAYE (#48 on Billboard's Year-End list): This late '90s/early 2000s trip hop throwback has received immense acclaim.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Bzrp Music Sessions Vol. 53" by Bizarrap and Shakira (#96 on Billboard's Year-End list): He called it [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1619009455554965505?s=20&t=mKnz5cIBTb3KuC7EDP7mFA "actual hot shit"]] compared to the celebrity breakup drama in "Flowers."
** [[spoiler:Confirmed honorable mention.]]
* "Boy's a Liar Pt. 2" by [=PinkPantheress=] feat. Ice Spice (#20 on Billboard's Year-End list): Although Todd compared it to [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1630624862686572544?s=20 Sega Genesis]] music, he [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1630634149617995776?s=20 did not mean it as an insult]].
** [[spoiler: Jossed, but used as the credits music for the best list.]]
* "Lavender Haze" by Taylor Swift (#32 on Billboard's Year-End list): Given the high praise Todd had for its predecessor, which topped his best list last year, it's easy to see this going over good with him too and could end up on the list this time after it didn't then.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "CUFF IT" and "America Has a Problem" by Beyoncé, the latter with the remix featuring Kendrick Lamar (the former was #29 on Billboard's Year-End list): The former falls into the same mold as "Lavender Haze" as mentioned above. For the latter, Todd has been extremely favorable towards both Beyoncé's ''Renaissance'' era and Kendrick Lamar in general, so this would be very likely to end up on the list.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Nonsense" by Sabrina Carpenter (peaked at #56): [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1646200862740725760?cxt=HHwWgIDSyc69vdgtAAAA He loves the song]] despite it being very stupid. In particular, he cited "I had to jump the octave" as an early candidate for the year's best two seconds. He later said in an [[https://www.instagram.com/p/CrTemjbv2LP/ Instagram post]] that Carpenter's live presence is "legit, buy stock now" which helps in the song's favor.
** [[spoiler:Confirmed #6.]]
* "What Was I Made For?" by Billie Eilish (#81 on Billboard's Year-End list): Regardless on what Todd's opinion on the highly hyped ''[[Film/Barbie2023 Barbie]]'' movie could be, this song about Billie contemplating on her purpose in the world is one that could resonate with Todd, especially since he is still a huge fan of Billie and feels she's at her best when she "lets things sit in devastating silence" which the song fits into.
** [[spoiler:Confirmed #4. Todd said it would've been higher were it not for the overexposure on critics' best lists.]]
* "Speed Drive" by Charli XCX (peaked at #73): And on that note, he said that putting Charli XCX on the Barbie soundtrack [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1694093038224609593 "was a brilliant pairing"]], as they're both "otherwise-girly girls who fucking love cars".
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Cupid" by Fifty Fifty (#44 on Billboard's Year-End list): He has called the song [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1642319221882519552?s=20 "quite lovely"]], though he wasn't specific on the original or the twin version (and might have been referring to both).
** [[spoiler:Confirmed #7.]]
* "Bad Idea Right?" by Olivia Rodrigo (peaked at #7): While Todd heavily disliked her lead single for her sophomore album, he felt the second single was much better tweeting that he thought it "[[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1689873059212099584?s=20 fucking whips]]".
** [[spoiler:Confirmed #1.]]
* "Cruel Summer" by Taylor Swift (#18 on Billboard's Year-End list): He tweeted that after spending three years not seeing the big deal with the song and finding it overrated, he "[[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1678813738047242241?s=20 now gets it fully]] and can't tell [you] how fucking pissed off [he is] about that". In response to [[https://twitter.com/SpectrumPulse/status/1678817193369169930 Spectrum Pulse's tweet jokingly suggesting]] that he considered Lover wasn't that bad at all, Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1678818888992329728?s=20 admitted that he couldn't appreciate the song having mostly listened to it in the context of the album]], which he didn't like.
** [[spoiler:Confirmed #10.]]
* "Ditto" or "OMG" by [=NewJeans=]: Todd mentioned on Twitter that he enjoyed both of these songs and appreciates [=NewJeans=]' take on K-pop. These songs only scraped the bottom half of the Hot 100, but with Todd's newly expanded eligibility rules, they might have a shot.
** [[spoiler:Both were jossed; instead, "Super Shy" was confirmed as an honorable mention.]]
* "Waffle House" by Jonas Brothers (peaked at #57): He said it's his "[[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1671185800904712192 favorite JoBros song by a lot]]".
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Chemical" and "Mourning" by Post Malone (the former was #57 on Billboard's Year-End list): Post Malone's "AUSTIN" album has received a noticeable amount of acclaim, including these two tracks.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "I Remember Everything" by Zach Bryan ft. Kacey Musgraves (#74 on Billboard's Year-End list): After a summer dominated by country music discourse, Todd may see this as a welcome alternative that resonates with his recent feelings about getting older.
** [[spoiler: Jossed, but used as the piano intro.]]
* "Bongos" by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion (peaked at #14): In the 2023 MTV [=VMAs=] special edition of ''Podcast/SongVsSong'', Todd said it "was no "WAP", but it's pretty good".
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Paint the Town Red" by Doja Cat (#52 on Billboard's Year-End list): In the 2023 MTV [=VMAs=] special edition of ''Podcast/SongVsSong'', Todd said he likes the song, but he doesn't consider it amazing, compared to...
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Attention" by Doja Cat (peaked at #31): ...which he admitted to liking a lot more and thought it deserved better. Based on his current criteria, this could be a contender for a high spot.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
* "Good Good" by Usher, Summer Walker & 21 Savage (peaked at #28): He calls it "[[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1705984984182665345 absolutely my shit]]".
** [[spoiler:Confirmed #9.]]
* "Tomorrow 2" by [=GloRilla=] & Cardi B (#70 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd has put songs by both artists on his Year-End Best lists in the past, so this seems like a surefire lock.
** [[spoiler: It was jossed.]]
There were four songs that made the Best list that nobody predicted: [[spoiler:"Ceilings" by Lizzy [=McAlpine=] at #8, "Man Made a Bar" by Morgan Wallen ft. Eric Church at #5, "On My Mama" by Victoria Monét at #3, and "Dial Drunk" by Noah Kahan at #2 (the solo version specifically, though he says the Post Malone remix is "surprisingly not terrible")]], as well as six honorable mentions: [[spoiler:"Agora Hills" by Doja Cat, "Handle on You" by Parker [=McCollum=], "Super Shy" by [=NewJeans=], "Snooze" by SZA, "Jaded" by Miley Cyrus, "Can't Catch Me Now" by Olivia Rodrigo]].
[[WMG: Could Go Either Way]]
* "Just Wanna Rock" by Lil Uzi Vert (#28 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd enjoyed "XO Tour [=Llif3=]" in 2017, but hasn't really spoken much on Lil Uzi Vert since. The over-usage of the song in sports coverage could hurt or help its case, too, whereas it did the latter with "A Sky Full of Stars" in 2014.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Die for You" by The Weeknd, with the remix featuring Ariana Grande (#7 on Billboard's Year-End list): As mentioned before, Todd overall enjoys The Weeknd but hasn't been huge on some of his slower hits, and he's commented on the song being a bigger hit than anything from ''Dawn FM''. And he might not be huge on it being another remix with Ariana Grande that hit #1.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Calm Down" by REMA featuring Selena Gomez (#6 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd has made his distaste for Selena Gomez very clear, but this song's overall reception has been pretty good. He even [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1658133809022345217 asked his Twitter followers for their thoughts on it]] to mostly positive responses.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed dishonorable mention.]]
* "Red Ruby da Sleeze" by Nicki Minaj (peaked at #13): Another song based off of sampling, this one of "Never Leave You" by Lumidee. Todd said Nicki's skills saved "Super Freaky Girl" from making 2022's list over "Big Energy", so this is a toss-up.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Middle Ground" by Maroon 5: It could receive a dishonorable mention purely via tradition like "Nobody's Love", but Todd spoke [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1661401844277743616?s=20 fairly]] [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1661405379748839424?s=20 decently]] of it.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Fast Car" by Luke Combs (#8 on Billboard's Year-End list): He [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1666165623624433664?s=20 called the cover "thoroughly unnecessary"]] and didn't get its popularity, but said he "would never complain about a good singer singing a good song".
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "All My Life" by Lil Durk featuring J Cole (#25 on Billboard's Year-End list): As with "Calm Down" above, he [[https://twitter.com/shadowtodd/status/1671237668532006920?s=46&t=q4ZL3OwpSh6hPAVbNH7kqA asked his followers on Twitter for opinions on it]], albeit to mostly mixed responses. While there's certainly stuff to like about it, there are factors that might be turnoffs, such as the children's choir on the hook, and a Dr. Luke production credit.
** [[spoiler: Confirmed dishonorable mention.]]
* "Dance the Night" by Dua Lipa (#35 on Billboard's Year-End list): This Mark Ronson-produced track's theme of partying through sadness could fall into a similar camp as the dark party songs he's liked in the past. That said, Todd has not put anything by Dua Lipa on his Best list since "New Rules" in 2018 and complained last year that the radio was over-satured with good-but-not-great Dua Lipa songs. It's well possible Todd will have grown sick of Dua Lipa by the end of 2023 and instead consider this more of creatively stagnant disappointment - not helped by its blatant similarity to "Levitating" (which Todd said he never even considered for the Best list) - than a delightful disco throwback, especially as he said he has [[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1729523326400487773?s=20 cooled on]] Dua Lipa.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Eyes Closed" by Ed Sheeran (#64 on Billboard's Year-End list): Sheeran has had a mix of both good and bad for Todd, so this could end up on either of those sides.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Creepin'" by Metro Boomin featuring The Weeknd & 21 Savage (#5 on Billboard's Year-End list): Todd said in his "[[Music/LukeCombs Fast Car]]" review that while The Weeknd does improve on the original "I Don't Wanna Know" by being a better singer than Mario Winans, he'd be perfectly happy never hearing it again, and that he doesn't feel like anyone was really enthusiastic about remaking it. Also of note, Todd had the original song as the credits music for his "Worst of 2004" list, so "Creepin'" could also be a possible contender for this year's Worst list credits music.
** [[spoiler: Jossed usage as the Worst list credits music, as ''another'' Metro Boomin song, "Superhero (Heroes & Villains)" featuring Future & Chris Brown, was used instead.]]
* "I Can See You (Taylor's Version)" by Taylor Swift (peaked at #5): A previously unreleased track from the vault, Todd could find Taylor's sultry approach either a welcome change of pace or an unnecessary pivot.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Is It Over Now? (Taylor's Version)" by Taylor Swift (peaked at #1): Another vault track, labeled as a counterpart to "Out of the Woods" that is clearly about Harry Styles, and given his love for "Style", he might find this good for similar reason or consider it a rip-off.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Now and Then" by The Beatles (peaked at #7): The final song from arguably the most legendary musical artists in the world, this track where Paul and Ringo finished up a demo recorded by John and guitar work from George about remembering a loved one could be a track called a lovely closer to the group's legacy or he could find it a gimmick.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Used to Be Young" by Miley Cyrus (peaked at #8): While Todd has disliked songs like this before (particularly Justin Bieber's "Lonely"), this ballad about Miley criticizing the media for her rebellious actions, mainly during her infamous ''Bangerz'' era, is one that Todd could like as he has grown to like and respect Miley.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Style (Taylor's Version)" by Taylor Swift: Todd absolutely loves the original track, and [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1717811237436993540 expressed on Twitter]] how disappointed he is with the re-recording.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
* "Need a Favor" by Jelly Roll (#34 on Billboard's Year-End list): Even though Todd put "Son of a Sinner" on his Best list last year, it's also possible he could consider this very overtly preachy in a similar vein to most contemporary Christian music.
** [[spoiler:It was jossed for both lists.]]
[[WMG: Guesses for Worst list bumper music]]
* "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift: It's me. Hi. These songs are the problem, it's them.
* "Creepin" by The Weeknd, Metro Boomin and 21 Savage: Todd doesn't want to know, if these songs are playing, they should keep it on the low, because his heart can't take it anymore.
* "CUFF IT" by Beyonce: These songs have Todd in the mood to fuck something up.
* "Dance the Night" by Dua Lipa: Todd's heart might be burning thanks to these songs, but they won't see it on his face.
* "Is It Over Now?" by Taylor Swift: These songs have Todd wondering if it's over now.
[[spoiler: All songs jossed. Todd instead used "This Is Why" by Paramore as the bumper music.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Year-End Predictions (2024)]]
[[WMG: Worst]]
* "run for the hills" by Tate [=McRae=] (peaked at #69): It's another dark, moody song with rapidfire lyrics like "You Broke Me First", which Todd hated. Combined with its ironic title considering it's an ambient sex song in the vein of "Never Be the Same" and "I Don't Wanna Live Forever", this seems very likely to make the Worst list if it gets big enough and sticks around.
** "Exes" (peaked at #34), the followup hit to "Greedy", has also only gotten a lukewarm reception since its release, and like its predecessor hasn't done much to establish a unique identity for Tate [=McRae=], something Todd would not be pleased about.
* "Lovin' on Me" by Jack Harlow (peaked at #1): Todd [[https://www.twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1747880631194030468 said that]] while he finds it clearly much better than "First Class", he dislikes it much more. He later called the first verse "[[https://www.twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1757451269403554150 truly one of the worst verses I've ever heard]]". The song's prolonged dominance on the charts will likely land it a high spot due to overplay, similar to "Last Night", "Shape of You", and "Mood".
* "Selfish" by Justin Timberlake (peaked at #19): Todd had a [[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1750548643604754747 strongly negative]] reaction to the song, saying it's [[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1750550995279720865 exactly as bad as "Filthy"]] and that [[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1750554647939703219 not only does he not want this type of thing from Justin, but thinks even those who do will still be disappointed]]. Seems like a virtual lock for the Worst list.
* "Facts" by Tom [=MacDonald=] x Ben Shapiro (peaked at #16): Yet another anti-liberal song that achieved top 20 success on the heels of conservative spite-buyers.
* "Carnival" by Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign ft. Rich the Kid & Playboi Carti (peaked at #1): While Todd understands and respects the decision made by some of his [[WebVideo/TheNeedleDrop fellow]] [[WebVideo/SpectrumPulse colleagues]] to not review ''Vultures'', he notes that he feels some responsibility to say that this track in particular is "[[https://www.twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1760066939580489762 un-fucking-listenable]]". He [[https://bsky.app/profile/shadowtodd.bsky.social/post/3kni7vnyi4h2z later said]] that [[https://www.twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1767448927140544564 it hitting #1]] is "just an unequivocally bad thing, in terms of politics and decency but also in terms of, like, having good taste". He called the lines "Head so good, she a honor roll/She ride the dick like a carnival" in the chorus "[[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1770173975164825973?s=20 one of the worst bars he had ever heard]]". So far, this seems very likely to top the Worst list.
* "I Luv It" by Camila Cabello featuring Playboi Carti (peaked at #81): Todd has never been a Camila fan, and this divisive pivot to hyperpop is built around a sample of a Bangladesh-produced Gucci Mane track (which "Break Up" was). It has also been derided as a ripoff of Charli XCX.
* "I Don't Wanna Wait" by David Guetta & [=OneRepublic=]: Once again David Guetta blatantly samples a very recognizable hit from old, this time the ''Numa Numa song.'' Expect Todd to react in kind.
[[WMG: Best]]
* "Hiss" by Megan Thee Stallion (peaked at #1): Todd still loves Megan and her abrasive lead single from her third album where she disses several names might be something he'll applaud.
* "Texas Hold 'Em" by Beyoncé (peaked at #1): Todd commented in his "Jolene" review that he liked ''Cowboy Carter'', so it's likely a song from it will appear in his Best list this year. Additionally, the song becoming the first by a black woman to hit #1 on the country charts could be something he'll applaud in the wake of the [[Music/JasonAldean previous year's biggest country controversy]].
* "Stick Season" by Noah Kahan (peaked at #10): Considering the ''very'' high placement of "Dial Drunk" on the Best list last year, it's likely Todd will also have good things to say about the title track from that song's parent album.
* "Feather" by Sabrina Carpenter (peaked at #26): Shortly after Todd predicted Sabrina Carpenter would become the next big thing in pop music, she finally scored her first major hit with this. Unlike Tate [=McRae=]'s recent output, this has gotten glowing praise from the general public.
** "Espresso" (peaked at #7) became her first top 10 hit shortly thereafter, prompting Todd to [[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1783994087450038591 acknowledge]] his correct prediction.
* "Yeah Glo!" or "Wanna Be" (with Megan Thee Stallion) by [=GloRilla=] (the former is currently at #35, the latter is currently at #11): She made Todd's best list in 2022, and he's been [[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1780275651645448591 pleased]] by her success in 2024.
* "yes, and?" and/or "we can't be friends (wait for your love)" by Music/ArianaGrande (both peaked at #1): Grande's new album ''eternal sunshine'' has received some overall erratic reception, but Todd called it "[[https://twitter.com/shadowtodd/status/1783388277510414371?s=46&t=C6ZYJ9dALR86HIhbLBvXBw really great]]" on Twitter; "yes, and?" in particular "[[https://twitter.com/shadowtodd/status/1783390384951038390?s=46&t=C6ZYJ9dALR86HIhbLBvXBw grew on [him]]]" but was "a mistake as a lead single".
* "Florida!!!" by Taylor Swift featuring Florence and the Machine (peaked at #8): Although TTPD was a mixed bag for Todd, as seen below, this track has been one of the biggest particular consensus fan favorites.
[[WMG: Could go either way]]
* "Training Season" by Dua Lipa (peaked at #27): It's another warmly received single from Dua Lipa, but Todd hasn't given her a spot on the Best list in years, nor even an honorable mention.
* "Beautiful Things" by Benson Boone (peaked at #2): Todd [[https://www.twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1772045122383008200 considers it a 5/10]], feeling he could be "coaxed in either direction but I don't think you'll get me to say it's truly good or truly bad", but that he'll likely form a true verdict after hearing it 200 more times.
* Anything off of ''The Tortured Poets Department'' by Taylor Swift except "Florida!!!": He claimed that most of the album "[[https://x.com/ShadowTodd/status/1782433092428574749 seemed self-consciously poetic]]", at the expense of being lyrical, and had lines that might work decently in the verses but are disastrous in the chorus, like in "Down Bad" and the title track.
* "Too Sweet" by Hozier (peaked at #1): While Todd [[https://twitter.com/ShadowTodd/status/1782475457369342333 likes it considerably more]] than "Take Me to Church" (which was a dishonorable mention on his Worst list in 2014), he can identify no part of the song that makes him think "This is going to resonate so hard that it's going to be the most popular song in the country".
[[WMG: Probably not up for consideration]]
* "Murder on the Dancefloor" by Music/SophieEllisBextor (peaked at #51 during its 2023-24 chart run): Similar to "Running Up That Hill" in 2022, this UK hit from 2001 was prominently featured in ''Film/{{Saltburn}}'', leading it to trend on [=TikTok=] and scrape the bottom of the Hot 100. Todd has stated he loves the song in his One Hit Wonderland episode of "You Get What You Give" calling it his favorite song written by Gregg Alexander after the break-up of the New Radicals. It might get an honorable mention or even be used as a piano intro.
[[WMG: Guesses for Worst list bumper music]]
* "Is It Over Now?" by Taylor Swift: These songs have Todd wondering if it's over now.
* "You Broke My Heart" by Drake: These songs broke Todd's heart. And it hurts.
* "Feather" by Sabrina Carpenter: Todd feels so much lighter like a feather with these songs off his mind.
[[/folder]]
----
