2015 was an exciting year in music, and these were my favorite tracks of the year. It was tough to narrow down, but here we go.... my ultimate playlist!
Adventure of a Lifetime by Coldplay from the album A Head Full of Dreams-- I am always excited when a new Coldplay album comes out, Chris Martin is one of my favorite lead singers, there's just so much enthusiasm in everything he does. Lyrically, Coldplay is one of the most complex bands out there and Adventure of a Lifetime continues the complex lyric but with a disco sound that is most addictive.
Body on Me by Rita Ora featuring Chris Brown from upcoming Rita Ora album-- Some collaborations are a match made in heaven and this beauty between Rita Ora and Chris Brown is one of those. Somehow Rita makes Chris sound more mature. The song as well as the video is breathy, sexy, convincing, and passionate. I hope this is not the only time these two work together musically, the chemistry is real.
Break Up in a Small Town by Sam Hunt from the album Montevallo-- Welcome to music Sam Hunt! We love you! Sam Hunt is so country but he is so different. He has a rap/ talk twist, an R&B sound at times. He is the perfect mix of everything I love. The song is everything a good song should be, it hits hard and it is so emotional, it is looking to climb to number one on the country charts.
Can't Feel My Face by The Weeknd from the album Beauty Behind the Madness-- Perhaps on other male artist on this list had a year as big as The Weeknd. The only other person who perhaps had a better year musically was Adele.... Hello!The Weeknd exploded onto the scene last when as a relatively unknown artist in the US he sang a duet with Ariana Grande called Love Me Harder that climbed to the tops of the charts; he hasn't looked back. Rolling Stone called it the best song of 2015, critics have compared his vocals to those of Michael Jackson, and he has earned two Grammy nominations for the song-- Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance.
Confident by Demi Lovato from the album Confident-- I think Demi Lovato, at the ripe age of 23, is one of those artists who keeps getting better as time goes on. I believe her new album Confident is her best yet, it's fearless. The title track, co written by Lovato herself is a girl power anthem.
Cool for the Summer by Demi Lovato from the album Confident-- Called by some music critics maybe the best summer song ever, Cool for the Summer was the lead single off Lovato's fifth studio album Confident. I think perhaps what I enjoyed about it more than anything else is that when I listen to it, it makes me feel like it's summer all the time, not a bad way to feel. Lovato continues to mature on every album and this single is indicative of that-- there's a certain sex appeal and people are loving it.
Die a Happy Man by Thomas Rhett from the album Tangled Up-- Die a Happy Man is just a legit pure love song. Simple music, simple lyrics, strong delivery, and you have a number one country hit from relative newcomer Thomas Rhett. Rhett says the song was inspired by his wife Lauren and the music video is the two of them and was shot while they vacationed in Hawaii. Look for this one to do well when the country music award nominations come out this entire year.
Energy by Drake from the mixtape If You're Reading This It's Too Late-- In 2015, Drake continued to prove that he is the real deal in rap and that he's a force to be a reckoned with for every other rap star out there. The fact that this song got so much play and was only on a mixtape is amazing to me. It's proof that Drake in constantly evolving creatively and I love it. The premise of the video, Drake pokes fun at a lot of other celebs, the song is not aimed at any one in particular, yet the lines of the song mean business.
Heartbeat Song by Kelly Clarkson from the album Piece by Piece-- Definitely inspired by 80s pop, Heartbeat Song marked a returns of sorts for Clarkson who took a short hiatus to have baby River Rose. Kelly revealed that she had some difficulties with her voice and doubted whether or not she would be able to return full voice. This song was proof that she need not worry, her vocals are intact. Clarkson emphatically proves that she is the best American Idol ever, and is one of the best vocalists bar none. The song is nominated for Best Pop Vocal Performance and I just know that she has as good a chance of winning this as anyone else, if not better.
Hello by Adele from the album 25-- Few artists can say they ever had a year like Adele did in 2015. Besides breaking record after record, Adele proved that no matter how long she stays away, her fans will always return. The song has hit number one in numerous countries and look for her to clean up big time at all the major music award shows in the next year.
Here by Alessia Cara from the debut album Know It All-- Alessia Cara says grown men have approached her to thank her for writing "Here". Cara says the song is secretly about people who hate going to parties and social events. I can relate. I love Alessia's sound, and I think what I like the most about her is that she makes being an introvert cool again. It's good to be different is what her song says, and I don't mind singing it out loud.
The Hills by The Weeknd from the album Beauty Behind the Madness-- Sex, drugs, and rock and roll or in this case, R&B. It's pretty much what The Hills is all about. The Weeknd continues on this song to take us into his dark world, and people must really love it because it was his third hit in 2015 and replaced Can't Feel My Face at number one. The Weeknd is only the second artist to do this on a debut album (the other was Rihanna).
Hotline Bling by Drake from the upcoming album Views From the Six-- If anything, this song has been controversial from the lyrics to the video; Drake knows how to make people talk about him and sing along at times. Many feminist critics said the song was slut shaming-- asking your ex why she isn't coming over to be friends with benefits anymore because she's moved on to someone else? And the video, Drake's rap competition made fun of the way he danced saying he made a fool of himself in the video.
How Deep is Your Love by Calvin Harris and the Disciples-- Supposedly, allegedly inspired by his relationship with Taylor Swift, How Deep Is Your Love may just be one of my fave Calvin Harris songs ever! I love the beat, I love the uncredited vocals, and I love that it is literally begging someone to answer the question of How Deep is Your Love. Oh, and for all the guys out there, did I mention the video stars the gorgeous Gigi Hadid?
Lay Me Down by Sam Smith from the album In the Lonely Hour-- This makes it on here because although this was Smith's debut single from 2013, it only charted in 2015 after he re-recorded it and re-released it. This song is a triumphant declaration from the heart. It literally gets me every time, lyrically it's beautiful and vocally, it's perfection. If this is a debut, what comes next? I can't wait.
Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding from the Fifty Shades of Grey original soundtrack-- This was Gouldings first number one hit in many countries. In fact, she almost did not get the song at all because she wasn't interested in doing a song for a soundtrack, and at one point, the song was going to be given to Demi Lovato. Personally, I think Ellie's voice really suits the song and I love that it has received Grammy and Golden Globe nominations.
The Night is Still Young by Nicki Minaj from the album the Pinkprint-- Let me tell you what I love about this song... this song is proof that Nicki is not just a rapper but a singer and an entertainer, this woman has a voice. I also love how she has so much versatility, she can rap about something really serious but then she can sing this light almost romantic song. I cannot wait to see what Nicki does next.
On My Mind by Ellie Goulding from the album Delirium-- Everyone knows I am a big Ed Sheeran fan and he wrote the song Don't about a girl who was going out with who he had real feelings for who cheated on him with someone else. Many say it was about Ellie Goulding cheating on him with Niall from 1D. On My Mind is said to be the answer song to Don't. Ellie describes a one night stand where she was with someone she shouldn't have been with. The music video is fun and very Thelma & Louise, many say it's her best single to date.
Out of the Woods by Taylor Swift from the album 1989-- Described by Taylor as a song that is about the "fragility and breakable nature of some relationships," it's about going through the day in and day out, the ups and the downs and wondering if you're going to get through it or not, wondering if the relationship is going to work. Some say this song is about her former relationship with Harry Styles from 1D. The video to the song premiered on New Year's Rockin' Eve and we may be talking about this song again in 2016 since it looks to climb the charts this year. It would be no surprise to say Taylor has another hit on her hands.
Should've Been Us by Tori Kelly from the debut album Unbreakable Smile-- When Tori Kelly was 16, she auditioned for American Idol and made it all the way to Hollywood week only to get cut. I love American Idol, but hearing Tori's voice now makes me think that they made a huge mistake. Not only does she have a killer voice, but she's also a songwriter which is becoming more and more rare in the music industry. It makes Tori a diamond in the rough. Ignore the horribly pointless video.
Sorry by Justin Bieber from the album Purpose-- The song has already made it to number one, and I have to say, I was never a huge Justin Bieber fan but so many of the songs from this album have so much maturity to them and I am really enjoying listening to these new songs and hearing/ seeing this new side of Justin Bieber. Many fully believe that the song is an apology to former girlfriend Selena Gomez. Justin says the song is about manning up and apologizing for mistakes.
Stitches by Shawn Mendes from the debut album Handwritten-- I think Stitches had the distinction of being the slowest climb to number one of any song. It's one of those songs I kept hearing on the radio for a good portion of the year. Mendes says the song is about feeling heartbroken and beaten up, which I think is honestly something that most can relate to. As a side note, I am loving his duet with Camilla Cabello, I Know What You Did Last Summer.
Style by Taylor Swift from the album 1989-- Rumored to be about her romance with Harry Styles, Style (get it?) was a stylish song that hit right before the summer, and I think it was definitely one of the songs of Summer 2015. Critics loved the song, many said it was the best track on 1989, said it fit like a "cashmere lined leather glove".
Sugar by Maroon 5 from the album V-- Maroon 5 is one of my all time favorite bands ever, and this song is them at their best. Adam's vocals are so on point and perfect, and lyrically, I feel like every woman out there is thinking, Adam is singing to me. The video to the song was inspired by the movie Wedding Crashers and features the band crashing weddings and singing. The expressions from the brides and grooms and their guests are absolutely priceless. The song is up for Best Pop Duo/ Group Performance at the Grammy Awards, and it's my pick to win.
Want to Want Me by Jason Derulo from the album Everything is 4-- Despite the fact that I am unhappy with Jason's latest choice in girlfriends.... Daphne Joy? Really Jason, really?.... I will say that I absolutely loved Want to Want Me. Maybe it's because I am a child of the 80s and this song is so 80s, or maybe it's his ridiculous falsetto that never fails to impress me, but the song was a hit, and every time it came on the radio, I turned it up.
What Do You Mean? by Justin Bieber from the album Purpose-- In year's past, if you would have asked me if Justin Bieber would have appeared on any fave songs of the year post I wrote, I would have told you, you were crazy, and yet, the last two songs on this post are by Justin Bieber and he appeared a total of three times on my list for 2015. What Do You Mean? is all about a more grown up and more mature Biebs; it debuted at number one, and it proves that this kid knows how to make a come back. The song itself is simple but complicated with a super catchy hook, and is a sequel of sorts to the Skrillex/ Diplo song Where Are U Now? So good is What Do You Mean? that I fully believe it will be a candidate for award shows this year as well as next.
Where Are U Now? by Justin Bieber from the album Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack U-- Skrillex and Diplo said that when they decided to release an album they wanted to do something unexpected and working with Justin Bieber was unexpected. The song to me is lyrically an anthem for a love that has broken apart and you desperately need it back, but you want the other person to realize your worth too.
Showing posts with label Adele. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adele. Show all posts
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Monday, February 25, 2013
2013 Oscar Observations
Awesome moments of the night:
Seth MacFarlane was great as Oscar host. He was funny, but not over the top or inappropriate funny, engaging, understanding, and who knew that he could sing, dance, and act. I'd love to see him back again as host.
Octavia Spencer presenting the Supporting Actor Oscar to Christoph Waltz. She looked beautiful and his award was well deserved.
The "Avengers", Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, and Chris Evans reuniting on stage was so fun, but where was Scarlett Johansson and Chris Hemsworth?
How special when Halle Berry came out dressed like a "Bond" girl herself to celebrate 50 years of James Bond, and even more special when Shirley Bassey came out at the age of 76 to belt out her "Bond" song, "Goldfinger". Halle looked amazing, and Shirley sounded amazing. Just as a side note, it would have been really cool if they brought all the men who played James Bond and united them on stage.
It was very touching when Inocente won Documentary Short and it was revealed on stage that the woman in the film was poor one year ago. On such a star filled night, it really brought us back to reality, and to see her on that stage with this sense of relief and gratefulness was quite the thing.
Loved when John Travolta came out and introduced that tribute to musical movies..... Catherine Zeta Jones singing All That Jazz, Jennifer Hudson singing And I Am Telling You, and the cast of Les Miserables singing I Dreamed a Dream........Wow, they all brought down the house. That is talent!
The bit between Mark Wahlberg and Ted was hilarious.
Anne Hathaway winning was not a surprise, but clearly she needed a bra. There was a lot coming through the dress. I'm blushing.
Everyone was waiting for it, and Adele did not disappoint singing her Bond song, Skyfall. She sparkled and it was just a magical moment. The lyrics in particular were just effortlessly phrased. Her winning with Paul Epworth just topped it all off.
Quentin Tarantino's win for Original Screenplay for Django Unchained must have shut up a lot of critics and what I loved about it was how he complimented the work of everyone writing movies today. He also thanked his cast for getting it right, and you could tell that they were touched by his acknowledgement that he had chosen exactly the right people for his movie.
Jennifer Lawrence winning and tripping on her way up the stairs, it made the moment so real, and it reinforced her realness. At the age of 22, we're going to see so much more Jen Lawrence.
Daniel Day Lewis' speech was moving. I loved how he congratulated the other nominees in the category, his sense of humor was well timed, and what topped it all off was when he thanked Steven Spielberg and Abraham Lincoln himself for being the man that he was.
Jack Nicholson, in rare form as always, partnered with an elated Michelle Obama to present the Best Picture Oscar to Argo which was accepted by a stunned Ben Affleck, and a content George Clooney. I think out of all the speeches of the night, his speech really moved me the most. He managed to bring tears to my eyes when he talked about winning 15 years ago for Good Will Hunting and what that was like. Then he talked about his wife Jen Garner and his children, and some pieces of advice that he had. He said don't hold a grudge, it's hard, but don't hold a grudge, and when in your life you fall down, it's not about falling, it's about getting back up.
Seth MacFarlane was great as Oscar host. He was funny, but not over the top or inappropriate funny, engaging, understanding, and who knew that he could sing, dance, and act. I'd love to see him back again as host.
Octavia Spencer presenting the Supporting Actor Oscar to Christoph Waltz. She looked beautiful and his award was well deserved.
The "Avengers", Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, and Chris Evans reuniting on stage was so fun, but where was Scarlett Johansson and Chris Hemsworth?
How special when Halle Berry came out dressed like a "Bond" girl herself to celebrate 50 years of James Bond, and even more special when Shirley Bassey came out at the age of 76 to belt out her "Bond" song, "Goldfinger". Halle looked amazing, and Shirley sounded amazing. Just as a side note, it would have been really cool if they brought all the men who played James Bond and united them on stage.
It was very touching when Inocente won Documentary Short and it was revealed on stage that the woman in the film was poor one year ago. On such a star filled night, it really brought us back to reality, and to see her on that stage with this sense of relief and gratefulness was quite the thing.
Loved when John Travolta came out and introduced that tribute to musical movies..... Catherine Zeta Jones singing All That Jazz, Jennifer Hudson singing And I Am Telling You, and the cast of Les Miserables singing I Dreamed a Dream........Wow, they all brought down the house. That is talent!
The bit between Mark Wahlberg and Ted was hilarious.
Anne Hathaway winning was not a surprise, but clearly she needed a bra. There was a lot coming through the dress. I'm blushing.
Everyone was waiting for it, and Adele did not disappoint singing her Bond song, Skyfall. She sparkled and it was just a magical moment. The lyrics in particular were just effortlessly phrased. Her winning with Paul Epworth just topped it all off.
Quentin Tarantino's win for Original Screenplay for Django Unchained must have shut up a lot of critics and what I loved about it was how he complimented the work of everyone writing movies today. He also thanked his cast for getting it right, and you could tell that they were touched by his acknowledgement that he had chosen exactly the right people for his movie.
Jennifer Lawrence winning and tripping on her way up the stairs, it made the moment so real, and it reinforced her realness. At the age of 22, we're going to see so much more Jen Lawrence.
Daniel Day Lewis' speech was moving. I loved how he congratulated the other nominees in the category, his sense of humor was well timed, and what topped it all off was when he thanked Steven Spielberg and Abraham Lincoln himself for being the man that he was.
Jack Nicholson, in rare form as always, partnered with an elated Michelle Obama to present the Best Picture Oscar to Argo which was accepted by a stunned Ben Affleck, and a content George Clooney. I think out of all the speeches of the night, his speech really moved me the most. He managed to bring tears to my eyes when he talked about winning 15 years ago for Good Will Hunting and what that was like. Then he talked about his wife Jen Garner and his children, and some pieces of advice that he had. He said don't hold a grudge, it's hard, but don't hold a grudge, and when in your life you fall down, it's not about falling, it's about getting back up.
Monday, February 6, 2012
My Top Songs of 2011: Why Did I Choose Them, Part 3
Released as the lead single from their album Own the Night and co-written by Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood, Dallas Davidson, Just a Kiss actually chronicles the beginning of Lady Antebellum band mate Hillary Scott's relationship with her now husband, Chris Tyrrell. The trio says that they wrote this song with ease and it reaffirmed their belief that together they just click. Just a Kiss was not only huge on country charts but on the pop charts as well, and based on this trio's climbing stars, it doesn't appear they are slowing down.
Charts:
#7 US Billboard Hot 100
#1 US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
#4 US Adult Pop Songs (Billboard)
#1 US Country Songs (Billboard)
#21 US Pop Songs (Billboard)
Fave line from the song:
Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight
Just a touch of the fire burning so bright
No, I don't wanna mess this thing up
I don't wanna push too far
Just a shot in the dark that you just might
Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life
So baby, I'm alright,
Love on Top off Beyonce's album 4 has all the elements of the ultimate 80s song, the beat, the lyrics, the tempo and key changes. What made the song even more notable is that it's the song she performed on the MTV VMA awards when she announced that she and husband Jay Z were with child. It was the big smile on her face, the sparkle in her eyes, and the sheer happiness in her voice that drew so much interest to the song. Knowles said of her inspiration of the song:
"When I played Etta James it was the most I'd learned about myself until the recording of this album. When I went into the studio I used the same passion, honesty, and approach with my vocals I channeled as Etta James. It does not sound like the vocals on my past albums. It's a lot rawer. It comes from a deep place".
Well said Bey!
Charts:
#20 US Billboard Hot 100
#11 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Fave line in the song:
You're the one that I love.
Baby you're the one that I need.
You're the only one I see.
Baby, baby, it's you.
You're the one that gives your all.
You're the one I always call.
When I need you everything stops.
Finally you put my love on top.
If there's any song that was fully needed in terms of promoting patriotism in our country when we desperately needed it, it was the song Made in America sung by country god Toby Keith. Keith co wrote the song with Bobby Pinson and General Hospital star Scott Reeves. The story goes that Keith started writing the song but almost left it off his album because of the high number of patriotic songs already on the album, but Reeves and Pinson had a conversation which revolved around supporting the country by buying products made in the United States and they brought what they had written to Keith who combined it with what he had, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Charts:
#1 US Country Songs (Billboard)
#40 US Billboard Hot 100
Fave line from the song:
He's got the red, white, and blue flyin' high on the farm
Semper fi tattooed on his left arm
Spends a little more at the store for a tag in the back that says U.S.A.
Won't buy nothin' that he can't fix,
With WD40 and a Craftsman wrench
He ain't prejudice he's just, made in America
Marry the Night is my favorite Lady Gaga song. Gaga explained that the main inspiration behind the song was singer Whitney Houston and also added: "This song is about me going back to New York. I wrote this about the courage it took for me to say 'I hate Hollywood, I just wanna live in Brooklyn and make music'". Her courage to take chances in all facets of her life is inspiring and it's something I can feel when I listen to her music. She's special, and this song is just more evidence of that.
Charts:
#29 US Billboard Hot 100
#27 US Adult Pop Songs
#1 US Hot Dance Club Songs
#14 US Pop Songs
Fave line from the song:
I'm gonna marry the night,
I won't give up on my life,
I'm a warrior queen,
Live passionately, tonight.
I often wonder when I watch the music video for Moment 4 Life by Nicki Minaj and Drake how real the chemistry is that is portrayed between them on screen. The song is clearly a love song, it's about having absolutely everything you want in life, turning your moment into your moment for life. Then it won't just be a moment, it will be forever. Nicki says, "Moment 4 Life : is about 2 kids that grew up on the same block. They shared their dreams of making it as rappers. They laughed together, they cried together. One day they realize that their dreams have come to fruition. Though they know all things come to an end, they celebrate. They wish that they could have this moment 4 Life."
Charts:
#13 US Billboard Hot 100
#1 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)
#18 US Pop Songs (Billboard)
#1 US Rap Songs (Billboard)
Fave line from the song:
This is my moment
I waited all my
Life, I can tell it's time
Drifting away, I'm
One with the sunsets
I have become alive
I wish that I could have this moment
For life, for life, for life
Cause in this moment I just feel so
Alive, alive, alive
Moves Like Jagger was that song that everyone couldn't help but sing along to in 2011. Fresh off his win on season one of The Voice, Adam Levine enlisted fellow judge Christina Aguilera to collaborate with him and Maroon 5 on the upbeat single. The song was a risk for Maroon 5 who hasn't released a song like that one before, and Levine says it was exciting to do something different. I would even venture to say that it's the best single that has come from either of them in some time now. You could even go as far as saying that these two make beautiful music together.
Charts:
#1 US Billboard Hot 100
#1 US Adult Pop Songs (Billboard)
#9 US Hot Dance Club Songs (Billboard)
#3 US Latin Pop Songs (Billboard)
#8 US Latin Songs (Billboard)
#1 US Pop Songs (Billboard)
#10 US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
Fave line from the song:
I Don't Need To Try To Control You
Look Into My Eyes and I'll Own You
With The Moves Like Jagger
I've Got The Moves Like Jagger
I've Got The Moves Like Jagger
Proving why she was the first ever American Idol, Kelly Clarkson went back to her roots with her first single off her fifth studio album Stronger. Mr. Know it All silenced critics of Clarkson who questioned her vocal abilities and just about everything else (i.e. Clarkson's weight, her almost always single status, which Clarkson targeted in her video for the song). She actually knocked the National Anthem out of the park this past weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis in front of an event that draws one of the biggest audiences: The Super Bowl. To boot, Clarkson sang live. If that's not a wow in this business, I don't know what would be. Clarkson described Mr. Know it All as "super sassy", and the message of the song is also great, no one likes to have people in their lives who think they know everything about everything. We all have some of those in our lives.
Charts:
#10 US Billboard Hot 100
#5 US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
#1 US Adult Pop Songs (Billboard)
#11 US Pop Songs (Billboard)
Fave line from the song:
You ain't got the right to tell me
When and where to go, no right to tell me
Acting like you own me lately
Yeah baby you don't know a thing about me
You don't know a thing about me
2011 was somewhat of a comeback year for Jennifer Lopez, actually it may have been the most successful year of her career. Being a judge on American Idol may have been just the launching point she needed to show her stuff and prove that she's not down and out. On The Floor featuring Puerto Rican rapper Pitbull, who also had a successful year, was Lopez doing what Lopez does best, full out dance music.
Charts:
#3 US Billboard Hot 100
#1 US Hot Dance Club Songs (Billboard)
#5 US Pop Songs (Billboard)
#2 US Latin Songs (Billboard)
Spanish version: "Ven a Bailar"
#1 US Latin Pop Songs (Billboard)
Spanish version: "Ven a Bailar"
Fave line from the song:
Dance the night away
Live your life, and stay young on the floor
Dance the night way
Grab somebody drink a little more
Lalalalalalalalalalalalalala
Tonight we gon’ be it on the floor
Who cites their musical influences as Tupac, The Black Eyed Peas, James Brown, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, and Led Zepplin? Well it's none other than LMFAO; this electro duo had about as hot a year as you can get. Party Rock Anthem was everywhere, and I mean that, if you haven't heard this song then most likely you spent 2011 under a rock somewhere. It was featured on Glee, So You Think You Can Dance, Gossip Girl, American Dad!, Saturday Night Live, and Parks and Recreation just to drop some names. Not only was Party Rock Anthem a number one single on the Pop Charts but it was the number one single of the year.
Charts:
#1 US Billboard Hot 100
#15 US Adult Pop Songs (Billboard)
#2 US Hot Dance Club Songs (Billboard)
#79 US R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)
#6 US Latin Songs (Billboard)
#6 US Latin Pop Songs (Billboard)
#1 US Pop Songs (Billboard)
#4 US Rap Songs (Billboard)
Fave line from the song:
Everyday I'm shufflin'
Shufflin', shufflin'
Adele has been anointed this year's Grammy darling no matter what happens, and rightfully so, her album 21 was the biggest selling album of 2011! It's still on the charts today and destined to break more records. When she had to undergo surgery on her vocal chords we all waited with baited breath; I think the world waited with baited breath actually. Grammy night 2012 will be the first night she sings in public since her surgery. More than one person made Rolling in the Deep their personal anthem; I cannot tell you how many cell phone ring tones I heard set to that very song. Rolling in the Deep in also a message to every guy out there who may potentially date Adele, be prepared if you date her, you may end up the subject in a killer break up song.
Charts:
#1 US Billboard Hot 100
#61 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)
#1 US Pop Songs (Billboard)
#1 US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
#1 US Adult Pop Songs (Billboard)
#15 US Rock Songs (Billboard)
#14 US Hot Dance Club Songs (Billboard)
#16 US Latin Pop Songs (Billboard)
#43 US Latin Songs (Billboard)
#21 US Alternative Songs (Billboard)
Fave line from the song:
The scars of your love remind me of us
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all
The scars of your love, they leave me breathless
I can't help feeling
We could have it all
(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
Rolling in the deep
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
You had my heart inside your hand
(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
And you played it, to the beat
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
Charts:
#7 US Billboard Hot 100
#1 US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
#4 US Adult Pop Songs (Billboard)
#1 US Country Songs (Billboard)
#21 US Pop Songs (Billboard)
Fave line from the song:
Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight
Just a touch of the fire burning so bright
No, I don't wanna mess this thing up
I don't wanna push too far
Just a shot in the dark that you just might
Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life
So baby, I'm alright,
Love on Top off Beyonce's album 4 has all the elements of the ultimate 80s song, the beat, the lyrics, the tempo and key changes. What made the song even more notable is that it's the song she performed on the MTV VMA awards when she announced that she and husband Jay Z were with child. It was the big smile on her face, the sparkle in her eyes, and the sheer happiness in her voice that drew so much interest to the song. Knowles said of her inspiration of the song:
"When I played Etta James it was the most I'd learned about myself until the recording of this album. When I went into the studio I used the same passion, honesty, and approach with my vocals I channeled as Etta James. It does not sound like the vocals on my past albums. It's a lot rawer. It comes from a deep place".
Well said Bey!
Charts:
#20 US Billboard Hot 100
#11 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Fave line in the song:
You're the one that I love.
Baby you're the one that I need.
You're the only one I see.
Baby, baby, it's you.
You're the one that gives your all.
You're the one I always call.
When I need you everything stops.
Finally you put my love on top.
If there's any song that was fully needed in terms of promoting patriotism in our country when we desperately needed it, it was the song Made in America sung by country god Toby Keith. Keith co wrote the song with Bobby Pinson and General Hospital star Scott Reeves. The story goes that Keith started writing the song but almost left it off his album because of the high number of patriotic songs already on the album, but Reeves and Pinson had a conversation which revolved around supporting the country by buying products made in the United States and they brought what they had written to Keith who combined it with what he had, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Charts:
#1 US Country Songs (Billboard)
#40 US Billboard Hot 100
Fave line from the song:
He's got the red, white, and blue flyin' high on the farm
Semper fi tattooed on his left arm
Spends a little more at the store for a tag in the back that says U.S.A.
Won't buy nothin' that he can't fix,
With WD40 and a Craftsman wrench
He ain't prejudice he's just, made in America
Marry the Night is my favorite Lady Gaga song. Gaga explained that the main inspiration behind the song was singer Whitney Houston and also added: "This song is about me going back to New York. I wrote this about the courage it took for me to say 'I hate Hollywood, I just wanna live in Brooklyn and make music'". Her courage to take chances in all facets of her life is inspiring and it's something I can feel when I listen to her music. She's special, and this song is just more evidence of that.
Charts:
#29 US Billboard Hot 100
#27 US Adult Pop Songs
#1 US Hot Dance Club Songs
#14 US Pop Songs
Fave line from the song:
I'm gonna marry the night,
I won't give up on my life,
I'm a warrior queen,
Live passionately, tonight.
I often wonder when I watch the music video for Moment 4 Life by Nicki Minaj and Drake how real the chemistry is that is portrayed between them on screen. The song is clearly a love song, it's about having absolutely everything you want in life, turning your moment into your moment for life. Then it won't just be a moment, it will be forever. Nicki says, "Moment 4 Life : is about 2 kids that grew up on the same block. They shared their dreams of making it as rappers. They laughed together, they cried together. One day they realize that their dreams have come to fruition. Though they know all things come to an end, they celebrate. They wish that they could have this moment 4 Life."
Charts:
#13 US Billboard Hot 100
#1 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)
#18 US Pop Songs (Billboard)
#1 US Rap Songs (Billboard)
Fave line from the song:
This is my moment
I waited all my
Life, I can tell it's time
Drifting away, I'm
One with the sunsets
I have become alive
I wish that I could have this moment
For life, for life, for life
Cause in this moment I just feel so
Alive, alive, alive
Moves Like Jagger was that song that everyone couldn't help but sing along to in 2011. Fresh off his win on season one of The Voice, Adam Levine enlisted fellow judge Christina Aguilera to collaborate with him and Maroon 5 on the upbeat single. The song was a risk for Maroon 5 who hasn't released a song like that one before, and Levine says it was exciting to do something different. I would even venture to say that it's the best single that has come from either of them in some time now. You could even go as far as saying that these two make beautiful music together.
Charts:
#1 US Billboard Hot 100
#1 US Adult Pop Songs (Billboard)
#9 US Hot Dance Club Songs (Billboard)
#3 US Latin Pop Songs (Billboard)
#8 US Latin Songs (Billboard)
#1 US Pop Songs (Billboard)
#10 US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
Fave line from the song:
I Don't Need To Try To Control You
Look Into My Eyes and I'll Own You
With The Moves Like Jagger
I've Got The Moves Like Jagger
I've Got The Moves Like Jagger
Proving why she was the first ever American Idol, Kelly Clarkson went back to her roots with her first single off her fifth studio album Stronger. Mr. Know it All silenced critics of Clarkson who questioned her vocal abilities and just about everything else (i.e. Clarkson's weight, her almost always single status, which Clarkson targeted in her video for the song). She actually knocked the National Anthem out of the park this past weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis in front of an event that draws one of the biggest audiences: The Super Bowl. To boot, Clarkson sang live. If that's not a wow in this business, I don't know what would be. Clarkson described Mr. Know it All as "super sassy", and the message of the song is also great, no one likes to have people in their lives who think they know everything about everything. We all have some of those in our lives.
Charts:
#10 US Billboard Hot 100
#5 US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
#1 US Adult Pop Songs (Billboard)
#11 US Pop Songs (Billboard)
Fave line from the song:
You ain't got the right to tell me
When and where to go, no right to tell me
Acting like you own me lately
Yeah baby you don't know a thing about me
You don't know a thing about me
2011 was somewhat of a comeback year for Jennifer Lopez, actually it may have been the most successful year of her career. Being a judge on American Idol may have been just the launching point she needed to show her stuff and prove that she's not down and out. On The Floor featuring Puerto Rican rapper Pitbull, who also had a successful year, was Lopez doing what Lopez does best, full out dance music.
Charts:
#3 US Billboard Hot 100
#1 US Hot Dance Club Songs (Billboard)
#5 US Pop Songs (Billboard)
#2 US Latin Songs (Billboard)
Spanish version: "Ven a Bailar"
#1 US Latin Pop Songs (Billboard)
Spanish version: "Ven a Bailar"
Fave line from the song:
Dance the night away
Live your life, and stay young on the floor
Dance the night way
Grab somebody drink a little more
Lalalalalalalalalalalalalala
Tonight we gon’ be it on the floor
Who cites their musical influences as Tupac, The Black Eyed Peas, James Brown, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, and Led Zepplin? Well it's none other than LMFAO; this electro duo had about as hot a year as you can get. Party Rock Anthem was everywhere, and I mean that, if you haven't heard this song then most likely you spent 2011 under a rock somewhere. It was featured on Glee, So You Think You Can Dance, Gossip Girl, American Dad!, Saturday Night Live, and Parks and Recreation just to drop some names. Not only was Party Rock Anthem a number one single on the Pop Charts but it was the number one single of the year.
Charts:
#1 US Billboard Hot 100
#15 US Adult Pop Songs (Billboard)
#2 US Hot Dance Club Songs (Billboard)
#79 US R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)
#6 US Latin Songs (Billboard)
#6 US Latin Pop Songs (Billboard)
#1 US Pop Songs (Billboard)
#4 US Rap Songs (Billboard)
Fave line from the song:
Everyday I'm shufflin'
Shufflin', shufflin'
Adele has been anointed this year's Grammy darling no matter what happens, and rightfully so, her album 21 was the biggest selling album of 2011! It's still on the charts today and destined to break more records. When she had to undergo surgery on her vocal chords we all waited with baited breath; I think the world waited with baited breath actually. Grammy night 2012 will be the first night she sings in public since her surgery. More than one person made Rolling in the Deep their personal anthem; I cannot tell you how many cell phone ring tones I heard set to that very song. Rolling in the Deep in also a message to every guy out there who may potentially date Adele, be prepared if you date her, you may end up the subject in a killer break up song.
Charts:
#1 US Billboard Hot 100
#61 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)
#1 US Pop Songs (Billboard)
#1 US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
#1 US Adult Pop Songs (Billboard)
#15 US Rock Songs (Billboard)
#14 US Hot Dance Club Songs (Billboard)
#16 US Latin Pop Songs (Billboard)
#43 US Latin Songs (Billboard)
#21 US Alternative Songs (Billboard)
Fave line from the song:
The scars of your love remind me of us
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all
The scars of your love, they leave me breathless
I can't help feeling
We could have it all
(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
Rolling in the deep
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
You had my heart inside your hand
(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
And you played it, to the beat
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
Saturday, January 7, 2012
My Top Songs of 2011
For the past few years I have been creating a list of my favorite and most memorable songs of the past year. I am a bit late this year in creating that list, or rather, in sharing it with you. As I mentioned before, this past year was a real struggle for me, and music was there for me always. Music gave me great joy, it made me smile, it comforted me when I was sad or contemplating my next step.
Overall, this was the year of the Ladies, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, and Adele all appear on this list more than once.
Some newcomers had breakout years, Hot Chelle Rae, Breathe Carolina, The Band Perry, J. Cole, and LMFAO; they burst onto the scene and proved to be contenders.
Here's the list, and check back as I tell you why I chose the songs I chose (they're in alphabetical order):
All of the Lights-- Kanye West featuring Rihanna
Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not-- Thompson Square
Blackout-- Breathe Carolina
Call Your Girlfriend-- Robyn
Cheers (Drink to That)-- Rihanna
Colder Weather-- Zac Brown Band
Dirt Road Anthem-- Jason Aldean
Don't Wanna Go Home-- Jason Derulo
Don't You Wanna Stay-- Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson
The Edge of Glory-- Lady Gaga
Grenade-- Bruno Mars
Headlines-- Drake
Heart Like Mine-- Miranda Lambert
Honey Bee-- Blake Shelton
How to Love-- Lil Wayne
I Need a Doctor-- Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Skyler Grey
I Wanna Go-- Britney Spears
I'm On One-- DJ Khaled, Drake, Rick Ross, and Lil Wayne
It Girl-- Jason Derulo
It Will Rain-- Bruno Mars
Just a Kiss-- Lady Antebellum
Love on Top-- Beyonce
Made in America-- Toby Keith
Marry the Night-- Lady Gaga
Moment for Life-- Nicki Minaj and Drake
Moves Like Jagger-- Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera
Mr. Know it All-- Kelly Clarkson
On the Floor-- Jeniffer Lopez featuring Pitbull
Party Rock Anthem-- LMFAO
Rolling in the Deep-- Adele
She Ain't You-- Chris Brown
Someone Like You-- Adele
Super Bass-- Nicki Minaj
Til the World Ends-- Britney Spears
Tonight Tonight-- Hot Chelle Rae
We Found Love-- Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris
Without You-- David Guetta featuring Usher
Work Out-- J. Cole
You Da One-- Rihanna
You Lie-- The Band Perry
I would love to hear your thoughts.... what were your favorite songs of the year, who impressed you?
Overall, this was the year of the Ladies, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, and Adele all appear on this list more than once.
Some newcomers had breakout years, Hot Chelle Rae, Breathe Carolina, The Band Perry, J. Cole, and LMFAO; they burst onto the scene and proved to be contenders.
Here's the list, and check back as I tell you why I chose the songs I chose (they're in alphabetical order):
All of the Lights-- Kanye West featuring Rihanna
Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not-- Thompson Square
Blackout-- Breathe Carolina
Call Your Girlfriend-- Robyn
Cheers (Drink to That)-- Rihanna
Colder Weather-- Zac Brown Band
Dirt Road Anthem-- Jason Aldean
Don't Wanna Go Home-- Jason Derulo
Don't You Wanna Stay-- Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson
The Edge of Glory-- Lady Gaga
Grenade-- Bruno Mars
Headlines-- Drake
Heart Like Mine-- Miranda Lambert
Honey Bee-- Blake Shelton
How to Love-- Lil Wayne
I Need a Doctor-- Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Skyler Grey
I Wanna Go-- Britney Spears
I'm On One-- DJ Khaled, Drake, Rick Ross, and Lil Wayne
It Girl-- Jason Derulo
It Will Rain-- Bruno Mars
Just a Kiss-- Lady Antebellum
Love on Top-- Beyonce
Made in America-- Toby Keith
Marry the Night-- Lady Gaga
Moment for Life-- Nicki Minaj and Drake
Moves Like Jagger-- Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera
Mr. Know it All-- Kelly Clarkson
On the Floor-- Jeniffer Lopez featuring Pitbull
Party Rock Anthem-- LMFAO
Rolling in the Deep-- Adele
She Ain't You-- Chris Brown
Someone Like You-- Adele
Super Bass-- Nicki Minaj
Til the World Ends-- Britney Spears
Tonight Tonight-- Hot Chelle Rae
We Found Love-- Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris
Without You-- David Guetta featuring Usher
Work Out-- J. Cole
You Da One-- Rihanna
You Lie-- The Band Perry
I would love to hear your thoughts.... what were your favorite songs of the year, who impressed you?
Monday, August 29, 2011
Beyonce's Surprise Announcement at the VMA's, oh, and The Winners!
Beyonce was glowing in an orangey-red Lanvin Fall dress with great jewelry to compliment it. With Jay-Z and Kanye West going on tour together for "Watch the Throne", will Queen Bey tour with "4" or will that time come after she gives birth?
My favorite moment at last night's VMAs came with Beyonce's public announcement that she was indeed with child. I was so happy for her, and to see the joy shared by so many of her peers was a wonderful vision. Beyonce looked radiant and rocked the stage as she always does, this time singing her new single "Love on Top" penned by Knowles herself, The Dream, and Shea Taylor. The hint came at the beginning of her performance when Beyonce told everyone to "feel the love that's growing inside of me". At the end of the performance she unbuttoned her sparkly pink jacket and she rubbed her growing belly. Goal oriented as she is, Beyonce had told reporters many times that she hoped to have a child by 30, the talented 29 year old will turn 30 on Sept. 4th.
MTV news reported that backstage Beyonce said, "I'm free!" to one of the well-wishers, indicating that she and Jay are thrilled to not have to keep such a big secret any longer. "We're all free!" she said to the group. Beyonce and a possible baby has been speculated several times by the media. She even told Cynthia McFadden earlier this year that she felt when the time really did come that she was pregnant no one would care because it had been falsely reported so many times. Beyonce is so classy though and she truly found the perfect way to make the announcement to everyone. Congratulations to Beyonce and Jay-Z!
The Winners for the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards:
Video Of the Year: Katy Perry, "Fireworks"
Video with a Message: Lady Gaga, "Born This Way"
Best New Artist Video: Tyler the Creator, "Yonkers"
Best Pop Video: Britney Spears, "Til the World Ends"
Best Rock Video: Foo Fighters, "Walk"
Best Hip Hop Video: Nicki Minaj, "Super Bass"
Best Famale Video: Lady Gaga, "Born This Way"
Best Male Video: Justin Bieber, "U Smile"
Best Collaboration Video: Katy Perry featuring Kanye West, "ET"
Best Art Direction in a Video: Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"
Best Choreography in a Video: Beyonce, "Run the World (Girls)"
Best Cinematography in a Video: Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"
Best Direction in a Video: Beastie Boys, "Make Some Noise"
Best Editing in a Video: Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"
Best Special Effects in a Video: Katy Perry featuring Kanye West, "ET"
This year was the year of the ladies at the VMA's with women winning 11 out of the 15 categories! Six women won these 11 awards: Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Adele, Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, and Beyonce, each one has released a successful album this year or last year. It makes me extra proud because each one of them is so talented and has worked so hard for their success. Congratulations to all the nominees and all the winners! Thanks for making 2011 an unforgettable year in music.
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