Lurking among the movie and television stars receiving Golden Globes nominations Thursday morning are a handful of musical acts, including Taylor Swift, Coldplay and Justin Timberlake (who, depending on the day, qualifies as a movie star as well).

They’re all up for the Golden Globe for best original song, a category that after years of cluelessness began to show signs of awareness in 2012 with nominations for Adele’s lushly dramatic “Skyfall” and Swift’s creepy goth-folk ditty from “The Hunger Games.” (Adele won the prize, leading to a thoroughly delightful acceptance speech.)

Now, Pop & Hiss isn’t in love with Coldplay’s dreary “Catching Fire” tune, “Atlas.” And as well-intentioned as U2 seems in “Ordinary Love” -- its song from “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” -- we’ve heard far more exciting rock songs about freedom (including several by U2).

FULL COVERAGE: Golden Globe nominations 2014


Oh, and speaking of ordinary, “Let It Go,” from the animated Disney feature “Frozen,” feels pretty unremarkable, especially compared to the more distinctive material from “Brave” and “Tangled.”

But Swift’s “Sweeter Than Fiction,” from the Paul Potts biopic “One Chance,” is an aptly titled synth-pop confection that the country star wrote with Jack Antonoff of the band Fun., while Timberlake’s goof on ‘60s-era folk in “Please Mr. Kennedy” (from “Inside Llewyn Davis”) demonstrates how sharp he can be when he merges both of his talents.

Listen to the five nominees below, and find out which song wins the award when the Golden Globes are handed out Jan. 12.

Coldplay, “Atlas,” from “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”


Idina Menzel, “Let It Go,” from “Frozen”

Taylor Swift, “Sweeter Than Fiction,” from “One Chance”

Justin Timberlake, Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver, “Please Mr. Kennedy,” from “Inside Llewyn Davis”

U2, “Ordinary Love,” from “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”


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Follow me on Twitter: @mikaelwood

