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?
Showing posts with label country music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label country music. Show all posts
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
My Favorite Things: October 2011 Edition
I have found so much to talk about that I now have a running list, so if anyone who reads my blog would like to suggest an item for "My Favorite Things" please comment on my Facebook page and we'll talk. Just about nothing is off limits and your favorite thing which may become one of "My Favorite Things" may be featured in an upcoming entry.
*Number one this month goes to the cast and crew of One Life to Live who have signed on to do the online version which should begin airing online in January of 2012.
Here is the list so far (actors are in alphabetical order by last name):
Melissa Archer --- Natalie Buchanan Banks
Kassie DePaiva --- Blair Kramer
Michael Easton --- Detective John McBain
Ted King --- Tomas Delgado
Kelley Missal --- Daniella Manning
Sean Ringgold --- Sean Evans
Erika Slezak --- Victoria Lord Davidson
Andrew Trischitta --- Jack Manning
Jerry VerDorn --- Clint Buchanan
Head writer Ron Carlivati has also agreed to a deal to continue as the head writer for the online version of the show. It's really nice to see One Life to Live and Prospect Park sticking it to ABC. I have to say, there are very few shows that I watch on ABC now; three prime time series to be exact: Revenge, Desperate Housewives, and Pan Am. I have barely watched Dancing with the Stars this Season, and I know you all want to know, why am I not watching Modern Family, Grey's Anatomy, and Private Practice? Modern Family.... I never really got into it, I know I should, everyone talks about how wonderful it is, maybe I will rent the DVD set of the first season and see how I feel. Grey's Anatomy to me has weakened over the years; it is not the strong series it was when it first started. I'm not saying I don't like Shonda Rhimes, I actually like her very much. As for Private Practice, I don't have many excuses, I am a huge Taye Diggs fan, maybe there is just something else I want to watch more in that time slot.
I have gone completely off topic, back to One Life to Live. I am so proud and so inspired by each person from the cast and crew that signs on to do the online version. It confirms that the daytime television that we all know and love will not go down without a fight.
*Number two is Posie, Rosy Little Things, Felt Ornament Craft Kits (homemade), by Alicia Paulson-- Besides Alicia having her own blog, Rosy Little Things, she also takes the time to make all these wonderful arts and crafts related items and kits. She is truly good at everything. When I stumbled upon, almost by accident, these adorable felt ornament craft kits that you can make at home yourself, I knew I needed to show them. I know what you're thinking, Miss V., it's October, but how can you not be in the holiday spirit already. The weather is getting colder, they're serving pumpkin spice coffee at Dunkin', and retailers already have their holiday merchandise out. Also, there are a limited number available and they do take a little bit of time to make so if you want one, you should order it as soon as possible; I figure that is as good a reason as any to feature these beauties.
This years collection is called Sweet Home, but you should look at some of the collections from the other years as well.....
Last year's Snow Day
2009's Walk in the Woods
and finally, 2008's Ice Skating Afternoon
The kits retail for $30 each and these are keepsakes, sweet ornaments, that you will have and pass down in your family for many years to come. Choose your favorite, or choose them all, and most importantly, have fun!
*Number three is the Rifle Paper Co,'s Fall Holiday Collection-- Halloween and Thanksgiving, unlike the December holidays, literally are just around the corner. Anna Bond continues to surprise even her biggest competition in the stationery world with overwhelmingly endearing cards, papers, notebooks, and gifts. This fall's collection is unlike that of the many year's past. Bond takes it to a new level, and I couldn't be more giddy. Take a look....
*Number four is Lady Antebellum's new album Own the Night-- It's no lie that I have been a Lady A fan since Need You Now literally took over the radio waves and my heart. I should have been a fan from their debut album, one before that, which featured the country hit, I Run to You, an uplifting single about people just trying to be good to one another. Own the Night is full of passion from the title track to the new hit ballad Just A Kiss. I dare you to take a listen, even if you aren't a country music fan; I do guarantee that no matter what, you will be hooked.
*Number five is Bridesmaids on DVD-- It's the movie I regret not seeing this summer, and I think one of my birthday gifts to myself will be buying myself a copy of this on DVD. I have not heard one complaint or negative word about this laugh out loud ladies comedy. With a rounded out cast that includes Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, newly crowned Emmy winner Melissa McCarthy, Wendy Mclendon Covey, and Ellie Kemper, the movie centers around the maid of a honor (Wiig) planning the wedding of her best friend (Rudolph).
*Bonus is Andy Rooney's final regular segment on 60 Minutes. For 33 years, he entertained us with his sometimes crotchety ways, but we loved him regardless. He had the guts to say exactly what was on his mind, it was often what was on our minds too, and for that I am relieved. Relieved, because Journalists like Andy Rooney are the same reason I decided to study Journalism in the first place. I wish there were more Journalists like Andy Rooney, they don't care whether or not what they say makes them popular or not. They care not about pushing their own motives, but rather, about telling the truth. I am so grateful that I lived in this time, I am so happy that my life has been filled with Andy's amazing rhetoric. And Andy, I do promise I won't ever bother you while you are eating your dinner, but I will tell you, you were a conversation piece during many of mine.
His final piece is a must watch if I do say so myself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKvRPh5QXUg
*Number one this month goes to the cast and crew of One Life to Live who have signed on to do the online version which should begin airing online in January of 2012.
Here is the list so far (actors are in alphabetical order by last name):
Melissa Archer --- Natalie Buchanan Banks
Kassie DePaiva --- Blair Kramer
Michael Easton --- Detective John McBain
Ted King --- Tomas Delgado
Kelley Missal --- Daniella Manning
Sean Ringgold --- Sean Evans
Erika Slezak --- Victoria Lord Davidson
Andrew Trischitta --- Jack Manning
Jerry VerDorn --- Clint Buchanan
Head writer Ron Carlivati has also agreed to a deal to continue as the head writer for the online version of the show. It's really nice to see One Life to Live and Prospect Park sticking it to ABC. I have to say, there are very few shows that I watch on ABC now; three prime time series to be exact: Revenge, Desperate Housewives, and Pan Am. I have barely watched Dancing with the Stars this Season, and I know you all want to know, why am I not watching Modern Family, Grey's Anatomy, and Private Practice? Modern Family.... I never really got into it, I know I should, everyone talks about how wonderful it is, maybe I will rent the DVD set of the first season and see how I feel. Grey's Anatomy to me has weakened over the years; it is not the strong series it was when it first started. I'm not saying I don't like Shonda Rhimes, I actually like her very much. As for Private Practice, I don't have many excuses, I am a huge Taye Diggs fan, maybe there is just something else I want to watch more in that time slot.
I have gone completely off topic, back to One Life to Live. I am so proud and so inspired by each person from the cast and crew that signs on to do the online version. It confirms that the daytime television that we all know and love will not go down without a fight.
*Number two is Posie, Rosy Little Things, Felt Ornament Craft Kits (homemade), by Alicia Paulson-- Besides Alicia having her own blog, Rosy Little Things, she also takes the time to make all these wonderful arts and crafts related items and kits. She is truly good at everything. When I stumbled upon, almost by accident, these adorable felt ornament craft kits that you can make at home yourself, I knew I needed to show them. I know what you're thinking, Miss V., it's October, but how can you not be in the holiday spirit already. The weather is getting colder, they're serving pumpkin spice coffee at Dunkin', and retailers already have their holiday merchandise out. Also, there are a limited number available and they do take a little bit of time to make so if you want one, you should order it as soon as possible; I figure that is as good a reason as any to feature these beauties.
This years collection is called Sweet Home, but you should look at some of the collections from the other years as well.....
Last year's Snow Day
2009's Walk in the Woods
and finally, 2008's Ice Skating Afternoon
The kits retail for $30 each and these are keepsakes, sweet ornaments, that you will have and pass down in your family for many years to come. Choose your favorite, or choose them all, and most importantly, have fun!
*Number three is the Rifle Paper Co,'s Fall Holiday Collection-- Halloween and Thanksgiving, unlike the December holidays, literally are just around the corner. Anna Bond continues to surprise even her biggest competition in the stationery world with overwhelmingly endearing cards, papers, notebooks, and gifts. This fall's collection is unlike that of the many year's past. Bond takes it to a new level, and I couldn't be more giddy. Take a look....
*Number four is Lady Antebellum's new album Own the Night-- It's no lie that I have been a Lady A fan since Need You Now literally took over the radio waves and my heart. I should have been a fan from their debut album, one before that, which featured the country hit, I Run to You, an uplifting single about people just trying to be good to one another. Own the Night is full of passion from the title track to the new hit ballad Just A Kiss. I dare you to take a listen, even if you aren't a country music fan; I do guarantee that no matter what, you will be hooked.
*Number five is Bridesmaids on DVD-- It's the movie I regret not seeing this summer, and I think one of my birthday gifts to myself will be buying myself a copy of this on DVD. I have not heard one complaint or negative word about this laugh out loud ladies comedy. With a rounded out cast that includes Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, newly crowned Emmy winner Melissa McCarthy, Wendy Mclendon Covey, and Ellie Kemper, the movie centers around the maid of a honor (Wiig) planning the wedding of her best friend (Rudolph).
*Bonus is Andy Rooney's final regular segment on 60 Minutes. For 33 years, he entertained us with his sometimes crotchety ways, but we loved him regardless. He had the guts to say exactly what was on his mind, it was often what was on our minds too, and for that I am relieved. Relieved, because Journalists like Andy Rooney are the same reason I decided to study Journalism in the first place. I wish there were more Journalists like Andy Rooney, they don't care whether or not what they say makes them popular or not. They care not about pushing their own motives, but rather, about telling the truth. I am so grateful that I lived in this time, I am so happy that my life has been filled with Andy's amazing rhetoric. And Andy, I do promise I won't ever bother you while you are eating your dinner, but I will tell you, you were a conversation piece during many of mine.
His final piece is a must watch if I do say so myself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKvRPh5QXUg
Sunday, August 14, 2011
In Praise of Country Music
Country music has had a real breakthrough year; 2011 has been a year when it has all happened.
Shania Twain, who is considered country music royalty, made a comeback, not with an album, but to the public eye after a long hiatus as a result of her divorce from Mutt Lange. Twain says the divorce was so tough that it caused her to lose a voice that so many find unforgettable. It seems though that she's moved forward and made strides just like country music has; she married in January and announced in June that in December of 2012 she will headline her own Las Vegas show at Caesar's Palace for two years.
Lots of country couples tied the knot, Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton, Kellie Pickler and Kyle Jacobs, and LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian.
Country trio, Lady Antebellum walked away from this year's Grammy Awards with Record of the Year and Song of the Year for "Need You Now" as well as three other Grammy's within country categories. This was five Grammy's for a group that most people in the country had never heard of five years ago!
This year on American Idol two young promising country singers finished in first and second place, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina, both will release debut albums this October. They have, by all accounts, been welcomed by the country music community. This is a community that is close knit and takes pride in each and every member.
Maybe it's the state of our country, but country music has become a real comfort to so many people. Every song has a story. When listening to a country music album or radio station, you will, without a doubt, experience a range of emotions. There are songs about a loved one who left Earth too soon and songs about drinking beer and margaritas in Mexico on vacation.
Brad Paisley, the reigning Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year, even titled his new album "This is Country Music". The song "This is Country Music" details exactly what the genre is, stereotypes and all. Here are the lyrics so you can see and read exactly what I mean:
You're not supposed to say the word "cancer" in a song.
And tellin' folks Jesus is the answer can rub 'em wrong.
It ain't hip to sing about tractors, trucks, little towns, and mama, yeah that might be true.
But this is country music and we do
Do you like to drink a cold one on the weekend and get a little loud
Do you wanna say I'm sorry or I love you but you don't know how?
Do you wish somebody had the nerve to tell that stupid boss of yours
to shove it next time he yells at you?
Well this is country music and we do
So turn it on, turn it up, and sing a long
This is real; this is your life in a song
Yeah this is country music.
Are you haunted by the echo of your mother on the phone
Crying as she tells you that your brother is not coming home?
And if there's anyone that still has pride and the memory of those
that died defending the old red, white, and blue,
This is country music and we do
So turn it on, turn it up, and sing a long
This is real; this is your life in a song
Just like a road that takes you home
Yeah this is right where you belong
This is country music
This is country music
He Stopped Loving Her Today
Hello Darling
God Bless the USA
Amarillo by the Morning
Stand by your Man
Mama Drive
Take Me Home
I Walk the Line
Country Boy Can Survive
Here are a few songs that I have been hitting the repeat button on all year:
Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not-- Thompson Square
Dirt Road Anthem-- Jason Aldean
Don't You Wanna Stay-- Jason Aldean feat. Kelly Clarkson
Felt Good On My Lips-- Tim McGraw
Heart Like Mine-- Miranda Lambert
Honey Bee-- Blake Shelton
I Won't Let Go-- Rascal Flatts
Just A Kiss-- Lady Antebellum
A Little Bit Stronger-- Sara Evans
Live A Little-- Kenny Chesney
Long Hot Summer-- Keith Urban
Made in America-- Toby Keith
Mean-- Taylor Swift
My Kinda Party-- Jason Aldean
Old Alabama-- Brad Paisley with Alabama
Put You In A Song-- Keith Urban
Remind Me-- Brad Paisley feat. Carrie Underwood
Somewhere With You-- Kenny Chesney
Sparks Fly-- Taylor Swift
This-- Darius Rucker
This Is Country Music-- Brad Paisley
Tomorrow-- Chris Young
Turn On The Radio-- Reba
Voices-- Chris Young
Who Are You When I'm Not Looking-- Blake Shelton
Without You-- Keith Urban
You Lie-- The Band Perry
You can see a complete list of great country hits from 2011 right here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_in_country_music
Shania Twain, who is considered country music royalty, made a comeback, not with an album, but to the public eye after a long hiatus as a result of her divorce from Mutt Lange. Twain says the divorce was so tough that it caused her to lose a voice that so many find unforgettable. It seems though that she's moved forward and made strides just like country music has; she married in January and announced in June that in December of 2012 she will headline her own Las Vegas show at Caesar's Palace for two years.
Lots of country couples tied the knot, Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton, Kellie Pickler and Kyle Jacobs, and LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian.
Country trio, Lady Antebellum walked away from this year's Grammy Awards with Record of the Year and Song of the Year for "Need You Now" as well as three other Grammy's within country categories. This was five Grammy's for a group that most people in the country had never heard of five years ago!
This year on American Idol two young promising country singers finished in first and second place, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina, both will release debut albums this October. They have, by all accounts, been welcomed by the country music community. This is a community that is close knit and takes pride in each and every member.
Maybe it's the state of our country, but country music has become a real comfort to so many people. Every song has a story. When listening to a country music album or radio station, you will, without a doubt, experience a range of emotions. There are songs about a loved one who left Earth too soon and songs about drinking beer and margaritas in Mexico on vacation.
Brad Paisley, the reigning Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year, even titled his new album "This is Country Music". The song "This is Country Music" details exactly what the genre is, stereotypes and all. Here are the lyrics so you can see and read exactly what I mean:
You're not supposed to say the word "cancer" in a song.
And tellin' folks Jesus is the answer can rub 'em wrong.
It ain't hip to sing about tractors, trucks, little towns, and mama, yeah that might be true.
But this is country music and we do
Do you like to drink a cold one on the weekend and get a little loud
Do you wanna say I'm sorry or I love you but you don't know how?
Do you wish somebody had the nerve to tell that stupid boss of yours
to shove it next time he yells at you?
Well this is country music and we do
So turn it on, turn it up, and sing a long
This is real; this is your life in a song
Yeah this is country music.
Are you haunted by the echo of your mother on the phone
Crying as she tells you that your brother is not coming home?
And if there's anyone that still has pride and the memory of those
that died defending the old red, white, and blue,
This is country music and we do
So turn it on, turn it up, and sing a long
This is real; this is your life in a song
Just like a road that takes you home
Yeah this is right where you belong
This is country music
This is country music
He Stopped Loving Her Today
Hello Darling
God Bless the USA
Amarillo by the Morning
Stand by your Man
Mama Drive
Take Me Home
I Walk the Line
Country Boy Can Survive
Here are a few songs that I have been hitting the repeat button on all year:
Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not-- Thompson Square
Dirt Road Anthem-- Jason Aldean
Don't You Wanna Stay-- Jason Aldean feat. Kelly Clarkson
Felt Good On My Lips-- Tim McGraw
Heart Like Mine-- Miranda Lambert
Honey Bee-- Blake Shelton
I Won't Let Go-- Rascal Flatts
Just A Kiss-- Lady Antebellum
A Little Bit Stronger-- Sara Evans
Live A Little-- Kenny Chesney
Long Hot Summer-- Keith Urban
Made in America-- Toby Keith
Mean-- Taylor Swift
My Kinda Party-- Jason Aldean
Old Alabama-- Brad Paisley with Alabama
Put You In A Song-- Keith Urban
Remind Me-- Brad Paisley feat. Carrie Underwood
Somewhere With You-- Kenny Chesney
Sparks Fly-- Taylor Swift
This-- Darius Rucker
This Is Country Music-- Brad Paisley
Tomorrow-- Chris Young
Turn On The Radio-- Reba
Voices-- Chris Young
Who Are You When I'm Not Looking-- Blake Shelton
Without You-- Keith Urban
You Lie-- The Band Perry
You can see a complete list of great country hits from 2011 right here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_in_country_music
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)