Live It Up

Live It Up would have definitely been a few positions higher (if not for the short-lived rumor that Bad Bunny and J. Balvin were tasked with creating the 2018 World Cup theme song). But in the end, they opted for Nicky Jam, and entrusted the whole production of the song to Diplo, who lashed all out in his own maximalist fashion.

The Fresh King of Dad Raps maintains his customary pace throughout - not showing off too much, but delivering enough quality for a mainstream song. That is a praise, given how broadly popular all World Cup anthems eventually become. Jam, just like his usual tendency, combines Spanish rap and English singing, and it works. And Istrefi does her best for the chorus, which is commendable.

If there is one factor that prevents Live It Up from reaching a higher position on the list, it is the execution. The song aspires to become an epic anthem, but came short of expectation with trumpets booming noisily throughout most of the chorus.

Artist: Nicky Jam, Era Istrefi, Will Smith

Album: Live It Up

Release: 2018