“Lollipop”- Lil Wayne feat. Static Major (Stephen Garrett) from the album Tha Carter III- Lil Wayne’s most successful song to date scored not only on urban charts but on pop charts as well.
Static Major, who is featured on the track with Wayne died supposedly of a cerebral aneurysm two weeks before the song was released. Wayne is poised to be crowned the new Kind of Rapwith seven nominations at the Grammy’s for Album of the Year, Rap Album of the Year, Rap Song of the Year for “Lollipop”, Best Rap Solo Performance, Best Rap Performance Duo/ Group (2 in the same category), and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Kanye even commented at the American Music Awards that this was Wayne’s year and that his award for Favorite Male Artist Rap/ Hip Hop should go to Wayne.
Fave Line from the Song: “Little mama had a swag like mine/ she even wear her hair down her back like mine/ I make her feel right when its wrong like lying/ man she ain’t ever had a love like mine.”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip-Hop Songs: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Rap Tarcks: 1
U.S. Billboard Rhythmic Top 40: 1
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 2
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owwSHg1fivM
“Love Lockdown”- Kanye West from the album 808’s & Heartbreak- A fun fact that no one but Kanye West could make true, the song was written less than ten days before he performed it on the MTV Video Music Awards. West has called the track his favorite and it’s his first solo single to feature no rapping, he instead uses the auto tune vocal effect. I would be surprised if West was not nominated for the 2010 Grammy’s for his work on this record.
Fave Line from the Song: “I’m not lovin you the way I wanted to/ I can’t keep my cool, so I keep it true/ I got something’ to lose so I gotta move/ I can’t keep myself, and still keep you too”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 3
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 10
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip Hop Songs: 26
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVZX-W3vo9I
“Lovers in Japan”- Coldplay from the album Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends- “Lovers in Japan” is one of those songs that inspires me to think; the lyrics are beautiful. The song itself has a really different sound to it as a result of something called a tack piano; there are tacks in the hammers which makes the piano sound kind of like a harpsichord(the band bought an old piano and made their own tack piano for their studio). Chris Martin says this song is one that the band plays much better live, and someday I want to hear it live.
Fave Line from the Song: “But I have no doubt/ one day the sun will come out.”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles: 10
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 67
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_exesnCA5Y
“Mercy”- Duffy from the album Rockferry- Duffy co wrote this song with Steve Booker and says it is an autobiographical song about sexual liberty. She said singing “Mercy” is like having sex, and so she wishes she could sing it everyday. Duffy is from Wales and was inspired to become a singer after watching Whoopi Goldberg in the movie “Sister Act”, and is one of many new female acts to come out of the U.K. music scene successfully. What I really love about the song “Mercy” is that when you listen to it, you feel like it could be coming from any decade from the past 60 years. Duffy is nominated for Best New Artist, Best Pop Female Vocal Performance, and Best Pop Album at this year’s Grammy’s.
Fave Line from the Song: “I love you/ but I gotta stay true/ My morals got me on my knees/ I’m begging please/ stop playing games.”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 27
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 27
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QSm5f1eiIk&feature=related
“No Air”- Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown from the album Jordin Sparks- This is the song that I believe gave Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown more credibility as artists than ever before. Spraks proves she is one of the most talented singers to come out of “American Idol” and Chris Brown proves that he has crossover appeal as not only an urban artist but a pop artist. Joshua Allen and Katee Shean danced my favorite piece to this song on “So You Think You Can Dance”. The song shows unbelievable maturity by both artists and is probably the most requested duet of 2008.
Fave Line from the Song: “I walked, I ran, I jumped, I flew/ right off the ground to float to you/ There’s no gravity to hold me down for real/ But somehow I’m still alive inside/ You took my breath but I survived/ I don’t know how, but I don’t even care.”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 3
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 2
U.S. Billboard Top 40 Mainstream: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip Hop Songs: 4
U.S. Billboard Rhythmic Top 40: 4
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks: 12
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks: 13
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxBdQs10FEI
And watch Katee and Joshua too--- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSm7DBjspkI (“No Air” is the type of song that creates chemistry between the right people)
“Piece of Me”- Britney Spears from the album Blackout- This song earned Britney Spears three MTV Video Music Awards and put her on the road poised for a comeback; she looked great at the awards show, better than she had been in the past two years. The song was a response to the constant media attention that is Spears’ life. This is what Spears said about the song to Ryan Seacrest in an interview: “Wherever you go, there's a lot of people who ask questions, and sometimes you don't know their intentions and stuff like that. So, it's kind of a cute way of putting it out there. You know, like, 'You want a piece of me?', you know, in a cool, cute and clever way.”
Fave Line from the Song: “I’m Miss American dream since I was 17/ don’t matter if I step on the scene or sneak away to the Philippines/ they still gon’ put pictures of my derriere in the magazine/ you want a piece of me? You want a piece of me?”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 18
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 18
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4NayXtzsBo
“Rehab”- Rihanna from the album Good Girl Gone Bad- Rihanna outdid herself releasing an eighth single from her Good Girl Gone Bad album, this one penned by Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, and Hannon Lane. Timberlake and Timbaland sing backing vocals on the song and Timberlake appears in the video as Rihanna’s beau. I cannot wait until Rihanna releases a new album because his one has been fierce and she can only grow from her experience with this album.
Fave Line from the Song: “And I’ll never give myself to another the way I gave it to ya”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 18
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 19
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfPqwoIBuXI
“Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”- Beyonce from the album I Am Sasha Fierce- “Single Ladies” is a bouncy, confident single and that sentiment is perfectly displayed in the music video. “SNL” even poked fun at Beyonce’s dancing in the video. I think every woman, single or not, just turns up the radio when “Single Ladies” comes on, it’s almost like you have all this pride about being a woman just because of the song and what it means. Beyonce says, the song is about, “I've been with you all this time, you're taking too long and now I'm looking hot and you see it and you gotta suffer because you shoulda put a ring on it.”
Fave Line from the Song: “Cuz if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it/ If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it/ Don’t be mad once you see that he wants it/ If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it.”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip Hop Songs: 1
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 4
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mVEGfH4s5g
“Viva La Vida”- Coldplay from the album Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends- “Viva La Vida” became Coldplay’s first number one single and it’s about a King losing his kingdom and revolution. “Viva La Vida” meaning live the life is taken from a painting by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Many versions were recorded by the band with them settling with the one that is one the album. The song is nominated for a number of awards at the Grammy’s including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group.
Fave Line from the Song: “Revolutionaries wait/ For my head on a silver plate/ Just a puppet on a lonely string/ Oh who would ever want to be king?”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks: 1
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5TNK-TvIcI
“What About Now”- Daughtry from the album Daughtry- “What About Now” has been used on TV shows and in TV commercials. “Idol Gives Back” showed Daughtry playing an acoustic version of the song and The Bachelor is using the song to promote the new season of the show. It is one of only two singles on Daughtry’s debut CD that is not at least co written by lead singer Chris Daughtry. The song was instead penned by Ben Moody and David Hodges (former band members of Evanescence) and Josh Hartzler (married to Amy Lee, lead singer of Evanescence).
Fave Line from the Song: “Change the colors of the sky and open up to/ the ways you made me feel alive, the ways I loved you/ for all the things that never died/ to make it through the night, love will find you.”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 18
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 21
U.S. Billboard Adult Top 40: 3
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ylgchWR-Ig
“Whatever You Like”- T.I. from the album Paper Trail- So I do encourage everyone to listen to both the edited and unedited versions of “Whatever You Like” because you will hear quite a few differences. “Whatever You Like” is T.I.’s most successful single to date crossing over to the pop charts as well as dominating the urban charts; the song was produced by Jim Jonsin, the same man behind Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop”, the songs have drawn similar comparisons from critics. “Whatever You Like” is one of those songs appealed to both men and women as a result of it’s meaning, and the music video is fun to watch.
Fave Line from the Song: “Baby you can have whatever you like/ I said you can have whatever you like.”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip Hop Songs: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Rap Tracks: 1
U.S. Billboard Rhythmic Top 40: 1
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 3
Check out the video: http://www.mtv.com/videos/ti/266155/whatever-you-like.jhtml#artist=1225081
“Womanizer”- Britney Spears from the album Circus- The song that officially marked Spears’ so called “comeback”, although she doesn’t like the use of the word “comeback”. So instead, let’s just say Britney has risen from “pop princess” to “pop Queen” status; I think that’s a fair title. A small, but amazing fact, “Womanizer” is Britney’s first Billboard Hot 100 number one since her first single “Baby One More Time” almost ten years ago. The song broke so many chart records, was well received by the majority of critics, and boasted a Britney back in true form and fashion in the music video. There was a bit of controversy because she is sans clothes for a good portion of the video, but everything about “Womanizer” from the production to the lyrics to the video to the songstress herself was done right and oozed sex appeal. Bravo Ms. Spears!
Fave Line from the Song: “Womanizer/ Woman-Womanizer/ You're a Womanizer/ Oh Womanizer/ Oh You're a Womanizer Baby/ You, You You Are/ You, You You Are/ Womanizer, Womanizer, Womanizer.”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 2
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 9
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZSLIq6YiRY
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
The Best Songs of 2008, All My Favorites!
This is one in two parts: I couldn't pick a top ten songs because in my opinion music made a big comeback this year, so I started looking at a list of all the singles released or re-released in 2008 and I slowly but surely began to make a list of my favorites so here they are, in alphabetical order so you can tell I don't like one more than the other. Feel free to comment and know that there is more to come!
“4 Minutes” - Madonna featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland from the album Hard Candy- The song penned by Madge, J.T., and Timbaland had one of the most watched videos on Youtube of 2008, and became her 37th top ten single in the U.S., surpassing a record previously held by Elvis Presley. The song showed up just about everywhere this year-- in clubs, at the end of the movie Get Smart, and even in a Sunsilk shampoo commercial. Rolling Stone called the song a “loud, busy, energetic track, and I could not agree more. “4 Minutes” is nominated for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals at the Grammy’s.
Fave Line from the Song: Madonna: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions, yeah.” Justin: “But if I die tonight, at least I can say I did what I wanted to do, tell me how bout you?”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 3
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 2
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Airplay: 1
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN7s1q3L-S0
“All Summer Long”- Kid Rock from the album Rock N Roll Jesus - Kid Rock’s slightly more modern take on Lynyrd Skinner’s “Sweet Home Alabama” was his highest charting hit on the Billboards. The song even became a crossover hit on the country charts, and earned Kid Rock critical acclaim and Grammy nominations for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Rock Album.
Fave Line from the Song: “It was 1989, my thoughts were short my hair was long/ Caught somewhere between a boy and man/ She was seventeen and she was far from in-between/It was summertime in Northern Michigan”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 19
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs: 4
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwIGZLjugKA
“American Boy”- Estelle featuring Kanye West from the album Shine- “American Boy” is the first international single for English hip hop singer Estelle; the song has been spoofed all over the world, something most artists consider an honor. John Legend (once upon a time signed by Kanye West) signed Estelle as the first artist to his record label, Homeschool Records; Legend says of Estelle, “she really can write, she writes hip lyrics with unforgettable melodies”. Legend first worked with Estelle in 2004 and never forgot about her talent, along the way she was a major hip hop artist in the UK winning Best Female Artist at the UK Hip Hop Awards three years in a row. “American Boy” which I view as a righteous anthem for the ladies was produced by Black Eye Peas’ Will.i.am, and was recently nominated for Song of the Year and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the Grammy’s. Let’s also not forget how awesome Kanye is in this song; he and Estelle are lyrically a great match!
Fave Line from the Song: “He said hey sister/ It's really really nice to meet ya./ I just met this 5 foot 7 guy who's just my type./ I like the way he's speaking his confidence is peaking./Don't like his baggy jeans but I'ma like what's underneath them./ And no I ain't been to MIA/I heard that Cali never rains and New York’s heart awaits./ First let's see the west end./I'll show you to my bridrens./ I'm liking this American Boy, American Boy”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 9
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 6
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjlOYHpi-A0
“Bleeding Love”- Leona Lewis from the album Spirit- Internationally, the best selling single of 2008 so far, “Bleeding Love” was a gem of a song written by OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder and pop singer Jesse McCartney and sung by the incomparable Leona Lewis. Discovered by Simon Cowell on his British talent show “X Factor”, Lewis has been compared to Mariah Carey when she first arrived on the music scene in the 90s. Whoever you compare her to, Leona Lewis has real talent and is nominated for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the Grammy’s.
Fave Line from the Song: “And it's draining all of me/ Oh they find it hard to believe/ I'll be wearing these scars/ For everyone to see”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 11
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks: 1
Check out the videos (yes there is a U.K. version and a U.S. version):
U.K. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF84pIhP5UM
U.S. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-ctIC65PV0
“Chasing Pavements” - Adele from the album 19- Newcomer Adele says “Chasing Pavements” was written about a former boyfriend; following a fight she was out running on the street alone. She thought to herself, all you’re doing “is chasing an empty pavement”. An interesting fact about the song is that it has been banned by many U.S. radio stations because of what it means in the urban dictionary, it’s a slang term meaning, searching for prostitutes. Adele also did not believe she would be nominated for any Grammy’s but she was hoping the other U.K. songstresses (Leona Lewis, Estelle, and Duffy) who are all friends of hers would be nominated; and they were, but to her surprise, she was too. Adele received four nominations, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and Best New Artist.
Fave Line from the Song: “I’ve made up my mind, don’t need to think it’s over/ If I’m wrong, I am right, don’t need to look no further/ This ain’t lust, I know this is love”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 82
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks: 17
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz7vGW2_5c0
“Closer”- Neyo from the album Year of the Gentleman- “Closer” was the first single off Neyo’s third album; the song marks a departure of sorts for him because it has a dance vibe as compared to the urban vibe that most of his other singles possessed. The single had great success on the pop charts, urban charts, and dance charts. Many critics were skeptical of the Year of the Gentleman album but it went on to earn Neyo Grammy nods for Album of the Year, Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (for “Closer“), Best Male R&B Vocal Performance (for “Miss Independent”) , Best R&B Song (for “Miss Independent”) , Best Contemporary R&B Album, and Best Remixed Recording Non Classical (for “Closer”).
Fave Line from the Song: “Turn the lights off in this place/ And she shines just like a star/ And I swear I know her face/ I just don't know who you are/ Turn the music up in here/ I still hear her loud and clear/ Like she's right there in my ear/ Telling me that she wants to/ Own me/ To control me”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 7
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip-Hop Songs: 21
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Airplay: 1
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 3
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUTh3OJjWjM
“Disturbia”- Rihanna from the album Good Girl Gone Bad Reloaded- One could say that “Disturbia” is a gift from Chris Brown to his girlfriend Rihanna; Brown and his team originally penned the song for the re-release of his album Exclusive, but Brown felt the song was better suited for a female singer, and the rest is history. Brown called Rihanna and the song was hers for the taking. It was originally going to go on her next album but it was decided that it was better suited as a summer single, and it was. “Disturbia” is nominated for Best Dance Recording at the Grammy’s.
Fave Line from the Song: “Throw on your break lights/ We’re in the city of wonder/ Ain’t gonna play nice/ Watch out, you might just go under/ Better think twice/ Your train of thought will be altered/ So if you must falter be wise/ Your mind is in disturbia”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Airplay: 1
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6zdhHLvT7k
“Goodnight, Goodnight”- Maroon 5 from the album It Won’t Be Soon Before Long- The first time I heard “Goodnight Goodnight” I was watching the CW and I saw a promo for Gossip Girl over the summer right before fall TV season started. Lead singer Adam Levine has that distinct voice, so when I heard the voice, I knew it was another hit by Maroon 5. Although the song is not as popular as previous singles “Wake Up Call“, “I Won’t Go Home Without You”, and “If I Never See Your Face Again”, “Goodnight Goodnight” impresses me lyrically and musically and I remain shocked that it has not faired better on the charts.
Fave Line from the Song: “You left me hanging from a thread we once swung from together/ I’ve lick my wounds but I can’t ever see them getting better/ Something’s gotta changeThings cannot stay the same/ Her hair was pressed against her face, her eyes were red with anger/ Enraged by things unsaid and empty beds and bad behavior/ Something’s gotta change/ It must be rearranged, oh”
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRFnlEJzf0s&feature=related
“Gravity”- John Mayer from the album Continuum- Called the song he, “was always trying to write”, although the song was released on 2007, it did not enjoy much radio play until 2008. Here’s a fun fact, “Gravity” was used as the astronauts wake up call on the space shuttle “Endeavour”. Also, may I just say that Mayer’s guitar playing on this song is sensational.
Fave Line from the Song: “Oh, I’ll never know what makes this man/ With all the love that his heart can stand/ Dream of ways to throw it all away.”
Check out the video: There’s no official video for “Gravity”, so I decided on this performance from the Grammy’s 2007--- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhJKSseiPXE
“Hometown Glory”- Adele from the album 19- The first time I heard the song “Hometown Glory” was when I was watching So You Think You Can Dance this past summer, Katee and Joshua danced a contemporary Mia Michael’s routine to this song, and it was amazing and I immediately felt a connection to the song. I think I actually may have cried, because “Hometown Glory” is this song that forces us to feel emotion. Adele released this as the first single from her debut album 19, but due to it’s growing popularity, she re-released it as the fourth single from the album. The song has not yet charted in the U.S. but give it time, and for all those who have not given the song a listen; I encourage it.
Fave Line from the Song: “I like it in the city/ when two worlds collide/ you get the people/ and the government/ everybody taking/ different sides/ shows that/ we ain’t gonna stand shit/ shows/ that we are united/ shows/ that we ain’t gonna take it”
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXG0YMv5Fvk
“Hot N Cold”- Katy Perry from the album One of the Girls- Katy Perry is not a new artist by any means, in fact she was in the music business as early as 2001, as a Christian artist, but it was only in 2008 that Perry began to enjoy mainstream success. “I Kissed A Girl” launched her onto the charts but “Hot N Cold” certainly kept her there; a funky, fun song, it had to be edited for radio airplay because of its use of the word bitch (bitch has been replaced in one version with chick and in another version with the word girl). Perry’s funk has also earned her a Grammy nominations for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Fave Line from the Song: “Cause you’re hot n you’re cold/ you’re yes then you’re no”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Mainstream Top 40: 1
U.S. Billboard Adult Top 40: 1
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X75mry1LcFg
“I Stay in Love”- Mariah Carey from the album E=MC² - This year, I could not keep Mariah Carey off my list because her accomplishments are truly remarkable; she has already released a, “MTV Unplugged” album, a “Number 1’s” album, and in January 2009 she will release a “Ballads” album; she has had the most number one singles of any solo artist in the U.S. with 18. “I Stay in Love” was the fourth single off Carey’s eleventh studio album E=MC² ; Fox News called the song, “a killer ballad” making me wonder why isn’t it on her “Ballads” album. Carey performed the song on X Factor and Simon Cowell says he wouldn’t mind having her back on American Idol to inspire more contestants. The music video for the song is directed by her husband Nick Cannon and was filmed in the Las Vegas desert, and Cannon makes a cameo at the very end of the video. Mariah hasn’t looked or sounded better.
Fave Line from the Song: “See I can’t get over you now/ No matter what I do/ But baby, baby/ I stay in love with you”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 95
U.S. Billboard Rhythmic Top 40: 37
U.S. Billboard Hot Videoclips Tracks: 16
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 45
Check Out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZKdgFVqAkA
“Just a Dream”- Carrie Underwood from the album Carnival Ride- Underwood’s fourth single from her sophomore album Carnival Ride, “Just A Dream” is true Nashville storytelling at its best. The song is one that is on par with Underwood’s strong vocal and performance abilities; the first time I heard the song I immediately understood why so many related to the story she told us with her voice. “Just A Dream” is the story of a woman who goes from young newlywed to widow after her husband dies serving in the war; the song is current yet timeless . Underwood’s performance at the CMA’s (Country Music Awards) of the song proved to everyone why she has won the award for Best Female Vocalist three consecutive times. She will also compete at the Grammy’s for Best Female Country Vocal Performance (for her single “Last Name”).
Fave Line from the Song: “Baby, why'd you leave me, why'd you have to go/ I was counting on forever, now I'll never know/ I can't even breathe/ It's like I'm, looking from a distance, standing in the background/ Everybody's saying, he's not coming home now,/ This can't be happening to me/ This is just a dream”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 29
U.S. Billboard Hot Digital Songs: 30
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8khHqMntkbQ
“Just Dance”- Lady Gaga from the album The Fame- Her real name is Stefani Germanotta and somehow when you read her story you know she was destined for fame. She grew up in an Italian American family and at the age of 17 gained early admission to NYU’s Clive Davis Program at the Tisch School of the Arts, she sang in clubs in the Lower East Side of New York City, she signed with DefJam Records in 2006 but was later dropped by them. It was in early 2007 that she signed a deal with Interscope Records and teamed up with Akon who took a really interest in helping her with her new album, and the rest as they say is history. “Just Dance” was written by Lady Gaga and she is nominated for Best Dance Recording at the Grammy’s.
Fave Line from the Song: “Wish I could shut my playboy mouth, oh oh, oh-oh/ How’d I turn my shirt inside out?, Inside outright/ Control your poison babe, roses have thorns they say”
Chart Position:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 3
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 3U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 2
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Airplay: 2
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M65zI9LH-as&feature=channel_page
To be continued...........
“4 Minutes” - Madonna featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland from the album Hard Candy- The song penned by Madge, J.T., and Timbaland had one of the most watched videos on Youtube of 2008, and became her 37th top ten single in the U.S., surpassing a record previously held by Elvis Presley. The song showed up just about everywhere this year-- in clubs, at the end of the movie Get Smart, and even in a Sunsilk shampoo commercial. Rolling Stone called the song a “loud, busy, energetic track, and I could not agree more. “4 Minutes” is nominated for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals at the Grammy’s.
Fave Line from the Song: Madonna: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions, yeah.” Justin: “But if I die tonight, at least I can say I did what I wanted to do, tell me how bout you?”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 3
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 2
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Airplay: 1
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN7s1q3L-S0
“All Summer Long”- Kid Rock from the album Rock N Roll Jesus - Kid Rock’s slightly more modern take on Lynyrd Skinner’s “Sweet Home Alabama” was his highest charting hit on the Billboards. The song even became a crossover hit on the country charts, and earned Kid Rock critical acclaim and Grammy nominations for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Rock Album.
Fave Line from the Song: “It was 1989, my thoughts were short my hair was long/ Caught somewhere between a boy and man/ She was seventeen and she was far from in-between/It was summertime in Northern Michigan”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 19
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs: 4
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwIGZLjugKA
“American Boy”- Estelle featuring Kanye West from the album Shine- “American Boy” is the first international single for English hip hop singer Estelle; the song has been spoofed all over the world, something most artists consider an honor. John Legend (once upon a time signed by Kanye West) signed Estelle as the first artist to his record label, Homeschool Records; Legend says of Estelle, “she really can write, she writes hip lyrics with unforgettable melodies”. Legend first worked with Estelle in 2004 and never forgot about her talent, along the way she was a major hip hop artist in the UK winning Best Female Artist at the UK Hip Hop Awards three years in a row. “American Boy” which I view as a righteous anthem for the ladies was produced by Black Eye Peas’ Will.i.am, and was recently nominated for Song of the Year and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the Grammy’s. Let’s also not forget how awesome Kanye is in this song; he and Estelle are lyrically a great match!
Fave Line from the Song: “He said hey sister/ It's really really nice to meet ya./ I just met this 5 foot 7 guy who's just my type./ I like the way he's speaking his confidence is peaking./Don't like his baggy jeans but I'ma like what's underneath them./ And no I ain't been to MIA/I heard that Cali never rains and New York’s heart awaits./ First let's see the west end./I'll show you to my bridrens./ I'm liking this American Boy, American Boy”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 9
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 6
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjlOYHpi-A0
“Bleeding Love”- Leona Lewis from the album Spirit- Internationally, the best selling single of 2008 so far, “Bleeding Love” was a gem of a song written by OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder and pop singer Jesse McCartney and sung by the incomparable Leona Lewis. Discovered by Simon Cowell on his British talent show “X Factor”, Lewis has been compared to Mariah Carey when she first arrived on the music scene in the 90s. Whoever you compare her to, Leona Lewis has real talent and is nominated for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the Grammy’s.
Fave Line from the Song: “And it's draining all of me/ Oh they find it hard to believe/ I'll be wearing these scars/ For everyone to see”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 11
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks: 1
Check out the videos (yes there is a U.K. version and a U.S. version):
U.K. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF84pIhP5UM
U.S. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-ctIC65PV0
“Chasing Pavements” - Adele from the album 19- Newcomer Adele says “Chasing Pavements” was written about a former boyfriend; following a fight she was out running on the street alone. She thought to herself, all you’re doing “is chasing an empty pavement”. An interesting fact about the song is that it has been banned by many U.S. radio stations because of what it means in the urban dictionary, it’s a slang term meaning, searching for prostitutes. Adele also did not believe she would be nominated for any Grammy’s but she was hoping the other U.K. songstresses (Leona Lewis, Estelle, and Duffy) who are all friends of hers would be nominated; and they were, but to her surprise, she was too. Adele received four nominations, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and Best New Artist.
Fave Line from the Song: “I’ve made up my mind, don’t need to think it’s over/ If I’m wrong, I am right, don’t need to look no further/ This ain’t lust, I know this is love”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 82
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks: 17
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz7vGW2_5c0
“Closer”- Neyo from the album Year of the Gentleman- “Closer” was the first single off Neyo’s third album; the song marks a departure of sorts for him because it has a dance vibe as compared to the urban vibe that most of his other singles possessed. The single had great success on the pop charts, urban charts, and dance charts. Many critics were skeptical of the Year of the Gentleman album but it went on to earn Neyo Grammy nods for Album of the Year, Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (for “Closer“), Best Male R&B Vocal Performance (for “Miss Independent”) , Best R&B Song (for “Miss Independent”) , Best Contemporary R&B Album, and Best Remixed Recording Non Classical (for “Closer”).
Fave Line from the Song: “Turn the lights off in this place/ And she shines just like a star/ And I swear I know her face/ I just don't know who you are/ Turn the music up in here/ I still hear her loud and clear/ Like she's right there in my ear/ Telling me that she wants to/ Own me/ To control me”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 7
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip-Hop Songs: 21
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Airplay: 1
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 3
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUTh3OJjWjM
“Disturbia”- Rihanna from the album Good Girl Gone Bad Reloaded- One could say that “Disturbia” is a gift from Chris Brown to his girlfriend Rihanna; Brown and his team originally penned the song for the re-release of his album Exclusive, but Brown felt the song was better suited for a female singer, and the rest is history. Brown called Rihanna and the song was hers for the taking. It was originally going to go on her next album but it was decided that it was better suited as a summer single, and it was. “Disturbia” is nominated for Best Dance Recording at the Grammy’s.
Fave Line from the Song: “Throw on your break lights/ We’re in the city of wonder/ Ain’t gonna play nice/ Watch out, you might just go under/ Better think twice/ Your train of thought will be altered/ So if you must falter be wise/ Your mind is in disturbia”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Airplay: 1
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6zdhHLvT7k
“Goodnight, Goodnight”- Maroon 5 from the album It Won’t Be Soon Before Long- The first time I heard “Goodnight Goodnight” I was watching the CW and I saw a promo for Gossip Girl over the summer right before fall TV season started. Lead singer Adam Levine has that distinct voice, so when I heard the voice, I knew it was another hit by Maroon 5. Although the song is not as popular as previous singles “Wake Up Call“, “I Won’t Go Home Without You”, and “If I Never See Your Face Again”, “Goodnight Goodnight” impresses me lyrically and musically and I remain shocked that it has not faired better on the charts.
Fave Line from the Song: “You left me hanging from a thread we once swung from together/ I’ve lick my wounds but I can’t ever see them getting better/ Something’s gotta changeThings cannot stay the same/ Her hair was pressed against her face, her eyes were red with anger/ Enraged by things unsaid and empty beds and bad behavior/ Something’s gotta change/ It must be rearranged, oh”
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRFnlEJzf0s&feature=related
“Gravity”- John Mayer from the album Continuum- Called the song he, “was always trying to write”, although the song was released on 2007, it did not enjoy much radio play until 2008. Here’s a fun fact, “Gravity” was used as the astronauts wake up call on the space shuttle “Endeavour”. Also, may I just say that Mayer’s guitar playing on this song is sensational.
Fave Line from the Song: “Oh, I’ll never know what makes this man/ With all the love that his heart can stand/ Dream of ways to throw it all away.”
Check out the video: There’s no official video for “Gravity”, so I decided on this performance from the Grammy’s 2007--- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhJKSseiPXE
“Hometown Glory”- Adele from the album 19- The first time I heard the song “Hometown Glory” was when I was watching So You Think You Can Dance this past summer, Katee and Joshua danced a contemporary Mia Michael’s routine to this song, and it was amazing and I immediately felt a connection to the song. I think I actually may have cried, because “Hometown Glory” is this song that forces us to feel emotion. Adele released this as the first single from her debut album 19, but due to it’s growing popularity, she re-released it as the fourth single from the album. The song has not yet charted in the U.S. but give it time, and for all those who have not given the song a listen; I encourage it.
Fave Line from the Song: “I like it in the city/ when two worlds collide/ you get the people/ and the government/ everybody taking/ different sides/ shows that/ we ain’t gonna stand shit/ shows/ that we are united/ shows/ that we ain’t gonna take it”
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXG0YMv5Fvk
“Hot N Cold”- Katy Perry from the album One of the Girls- Katy Perry is not a new artist by any means, in fact she was in the music business as early as 2001, as a Christian artist, but it was only in 2008 that Perry began to enjoy mainstream success. “I Kissed A Girl” launched her onto the charts but “Hot N Cold” certainly kept her there; a funky, fun song, it had to be edited for radio airplay because of its use of the word bitch (bitch has been replaced in one version with chick and in another version with the word girl). Perry’s funk has also earned her a Grammy nominations for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Fave Line from the Song: “Cause you’re hot n you’re cold/ you’re yes then you’re no”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Mainstream Top 40: 1
U.S. Billboard Adult Top 40: 1
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X75mry1LcFg
“I Stay in Love”- Mariah Carey from the album E=MC² - This year, I could not keep Mariah Carey off my list because her accomplishments are truly remarkable; she has already released a, “MTV Unplugged” album, a “Number 1’s” album, and in January 2009 she will release a “Ballads” album; she has had the most number one singles of any solo artist in the U.S. with 18. “I Stay in Love” was the fourth single off Carey’s eleventh studio album E=MC² ; Fox News called the song, “a killer ballad” making me wonder why isn’t it on her “Ballads” album. Carey performed the song on X Factor and Simon Cowell says he wouldn’t mind having her back on American Idol to inspire more contestants. The music video for the song is directed by her husband Nick Cannon and was filmed in the Las Vegas desert, and Cannon makes a cameo at the very end of the video. Mariah hasn’t looked or sounded better.
Fave Line from the Song: “See I can’t get over you now/ No matter what I do/ But baby, baby/ I stay in love with you”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 95
U.S. Billboard Rhythmic Top 40: 37
U.S. Billboard Hot Videoclips Tracks: 16
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 45
Check Out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZKdgFVqAkA
“Just a Dream”- Carrie Underwood from the album Carnival Ride- Underwood’s fourth single from her sophomore album Carnival Ride, “Just A Dream” is true Nashville storytelling at its best. The song is one that is on par with Underwood’s strong vocal and performance abilities; the first time I heard the song I immediately understood why so many related to the story she told us with her voice. “Just A Dream” is the story of a woman who goes from young newlywed to widow after her husband dies serving in the war; the song is current yet timeless . Underwood’s performance at the CMA’s (Country Music Awards) of the song proved to everyone why she has won the award for Best Female Vocalist three consecutive times. She will also compete at the Grammy’s for Best Female Country Vocal Performance (for her single “Last Name”).
Fave Line from the Song: “Baby, why'd you leave me, why'd you have to go/ I was counting on forever, now I'll never know/ I can't even breathe/ It's like I'm, looking from a distance, standing in the background/ Everybody's saying, he's not coming home now,/ This can't be happening to me/ This is just a dream”
Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 29
U.S. Billboard Hot Digital Songs: 30
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8khHqMntkbQ
“Just Dance”- Lady Gaga from the album The Fame- Her real name is Stefani Germanotta and somehow when you read her story you know she was destined for fame. She grew up in an Italian American family and at the age of 17 gained early admission to NYU’s Clive Davis Program at the Tisch School of the Arts, she sang in clubs in the Lower East Side of New York City, she signed with DefJam Records in 2006 but was later dropped by them. It was in early 2007 that she signed a deal with Interscope Records and teamed up with Akon who took a really interest in helping her with her new album, and the rest as they say is history. “Just Dance” was written by Lady Gaga and she is nominated for Best Dance Recording at the Grammy’s.
Fave Line from the Song: “Wish I could shut my playboy mouth, oh oh, oh-oh/ How’d I turn my shirt inside out?, Inside outright/ Control your poison babe, roses have thorns they say”
Chart Position:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 3
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 3U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 2
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Airplay: 2
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M65zI9LH-as&feature=channel_page
To be continued...........
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