In 2018, I did not listen to a lot of new music, but I figured I would continue the yearly "best of" series with song recommendations for 2018.
1. Blake Shelton - I Lived It
This is somewhat of an unusual pick because I normally don't listen to country music, but I heard this one by Blake Shelton and it just struck a chord as they say. It's an autobiographical song that has an easy going feel and enough of a pop sound to appeal to fans who are not really into country music.
2. Carly Rae Jepsen - Cut To The Feeling
This one is technically from 2017 but I found it a bit late and since it was not on the list last year, I decided to include it. Carly continues to pump out the hits and Cut To The Feeling is not exception. Her powerful vocals matched with the up beat music make this one a winner!
3. Andrew W.K. - Ever Again
AWK came back with a new album this year and it is everything you might expect with layered guitars and a stadium rock sound supporting a positive message. Andrew is one of the most interesting characters in rock and it is great to see he is still doing his thing.
4. Incubus - No Fun
It's been a while since I had heard from Incubus after having followed them pretty closely in the late 90's / early 2000's. I decided to look them up again and was pleased to see they are still releasing new music. Often band run out of steam as the decades go by but this one shows they are still as good as ever.
5. Chvrches - Get Out
Chvrches have been releasing a pretty steady stream of electronic pop music and this one caught my ear enough to make it onto the list of best songs for 2018. Lauren's vocal's sound great and they are supported with a familiar sound we have come to expect from Chvrches.
6. Kate Micucci - You Got A Bike
A surprise late entry to the list just in time for the holidays is a new song by Kate Micucci. Best known for her role in the band Garfunkel and Oats, Kate sings solo and plays the piano on this one. It is a wonderful song that is catchy and can get stuck in your head after just one listen.
What were some of your favorite songs for 2018? Feel free to comment about them below.
Also check out the Best Songs for 2017.
Showing posts with label best songs of the year. Show all posts
Showing posts with label best songs of the year. Show all posts
Monday, December 3, 2018
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Best Songs of 2017
1. Dear Evan Hansen – Waving Through
A Window
The pick for best song of 2017 this
year goes to “Waving Through A Window” from the Dear Evan Hansen
musical. I haven't seen the musical itself, but I loved this song
from the first time I heard it. Ben Platt gives an incredible vocal
performance in this emotional song that is as powerful as it is
beautiful.
2. Julia Michaels – Issues
One of the breakout stars this year was
Julia Michaels, a singer songwriter who stepped into the spotlight
with her single “Issues”. Her unique vocal style shines through
the minimalist music and all comes together to make a perfect
combination. Also recommend is another Julia Michaels song released
this year, “Uh Huh”.
3. Lucky Boys Confusion – Name In
Lights
Rock band Luck Boys Confusion reunited
this year to record their album “Stormchasers”. After taking a
long break, the band is back and continuing their streak of releasing
great music. “Name In Lights” is my favorite off the album, but
the whole album is solid and definitely worth checking out.
4. Lizzo – Truth Hurts
Lizzo is back on the best songs list
for the 2nd year in a row with her song “Truth Hurts”.
She has an original style and always seems to come up with catchy
hits. This one reminds me of the song Black Beatles by Rae Sremmurd.
5. Avicii – Lonely Together ft. Rita
Ora
At the number 5 spot is a collaboration
between producer Avicii and singer Rita Ora with their song “Lonely
Together”. Avicii really knows how to make dance pop hits and Rita
matches the song perfectly with her smooth vocal style resulting in a
fantastic song.
Bonus:
My Brothers and I – Dream
I had to add one more song as a bonus
because it flew under the radar in 2015. I randomly discovered this
band in 2017 and so far it looks like they are still under the radar.
The song "Dream" by My Brothers and I is radio friendly Pop at its
finest. It's the kind of song that would get millions of listens if
it got a little exposure. Right now it is under 30k so we'll see if
it catches on soon. Also check out their song “In the Stars (AdamHinden Remix)”.
If you liked these songs, or have other
favorites for 2017, feel free to leave a comment below.
Also check out the Best Songs of 2016. And Best Songs for 2018.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Best Songs of 2016
It's time once again to recap the best songs of the year. This list features recommended songs that were not super popular in 2016. Also for this list artists can be featured only once, but some may have a couple songs to check out. Here are Connected Isolation's top songs for 2016:
1. Lizzo - Good As Hell
Lizzo is an up and coming alternative hip hop artist out of Minnesota and this year she released a feel good anthem "Good As Hell". The song is up beat, very catchy and good enough to come in at the number 1 spot for the best songs of 2016! Also if you like this one, check out another one of her hits, Let Em Say.
2. Bad Lip Reading - Don't Stare At The Sun
BLR completes another year with hit songs and parody videos with their voice over dub style. This year they reworked High School Musical which included the song Don't Stare At The Sun, a musical style with ensemble cast that come in at number 2 on the list this year. Also check out their song, Not The Future.
3. Organ Beats - Only Human
Noelle from the band Damone has a new band now called Organ Beats and this year they released a powerful rock song called Only Human. Her vocals are great as always and the song is on par with the best rock songs this year! If you like this one, be sure to check out her other band Damone.
4. Dirt Nasty and Mickey Avalon - Do It All Over
Simon Rex aka Dirt Nasty and Mickey Avalon team up again this year on a new EP featuring the song Do It All Over. It is a silly song with a playful beat matched with a video that is just as silly.
5. Green Day - Still Breathing
There are very few bands who have been around for 20+ years and are still consistently putting out good music. Green Day is one of those bands. This year they released a new album and are still rocking as hard as day one. Here is just one of the new hits of the new album.
1. Lizzo - Good As Hell
Lizzo is an up and coming alternative hip hop artist out of Minnesota and this year she released a feel good anthem "Good As Hell". The song is up beat, very catchy and good enough to come in at the number 1 spot for the best songs of 2016! Also if you like this one, check out another one of her hits, Let Em Say.
2. Bad Lip Reading - Don't Stare At The Sun
BLR completes another year with hit songs and parody videos with their voice over dub style. This year they reworked High School Musical which included the song Don't Stare At The Sun, a musical style with ensemble cast that come in at number 2 on the list this year. Also check out their song, Not The Future.
3. Organ Beats - Only Human
Noelle from the band Damone has a new band now called Organ Beats and this year they released a powerful rock song called Only Human. Her vocals are great as always and the song is on par with the best rock songs this year! If you like this one, be sure to check out her other band Damone.
4. Dirt Nasty and Mickey Avalon - Do It All Over
Simon Rex aka Dirt Nasty and Mickey Avalon team up again this year on a new EP featuring the song Do It All Over. It is a silly song with a playful beat matched with a video that is just as silly.
5. Green Day - Still Breathing
There are very few bands who have been around for 20+ years and are still consistently putting out good music. Green Day is one of those bands. This year they released a new album and are still rocking as hard as day one. Here is just one of the new hits of the new album.
Friday, January 1, 2016
Best Songs of 2015
Like last year, in 2015 I did not follow music closely as I have in the past, but I still managed to find some good songs throughout the year. This list excludes super popular songs that everyone already knows already. Here are Connected Isolation's picks for best songs of 2015:
1. Carly Rae Jepsen - Your Type
Carly Rae Jepsen had a great year with several hit songs including the popular "I Really Like You" and "Run Away With Me" but my favorite of all of them and pick for best song of the year is "Your Type". Carly Rae has a wonderful voice for pop music and in this one, the emotion really comes through.
2. Bloodhound Gang - American Bitches
BHG has been out of the spotlight for years, but they came back this year with a new album dropping late in 2015. The lead single from the album American Bitches takes on a little bit of a touchy subject but infuses creative and amusing lyrics as we have come to expect from the Bloodhound Gang. While many of their new songs are more electronic based, this one goes back to the roots with pop rock.
3. Lifehouse - Flight
Another band that has created great songs over the years is back with an epic new song Flight. It starts out slowly with an emotional feel and builds up to a power ending.
4. Ronald Jenkees - Try the Bass
Ronald Jenkees is an interesting music producer who may not have a huge following compared to some of the other artists out there, but he is extremely talented when it comes to making music. Here is a funky new song this year where he performs live on his Youtube channel.
5. The Mowgli's - I'm Good
In the mood for a straight forward catch pop song? The Mowgli's have you covered with their song "I'm Good". It has a summer time vibe and is easy to get into right from the first listen.
6. Meghan Tonjes - Oh Father
Up and coming singer songwriter Meghan Tonjes makes the list this year with an original song that is beautiful and heart felt. This is a live version that was first performed on her Youtube channel. Hopefully it will have a studio version soon!
7. Rachel Bloom - I Give Good Parent
Rachel Bloom burst on the scene this year with a new music comedy show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Each episode contains original songs and here is rap style song she did for the first season. If you like this be sure to check out her Youtube Channel and the CW Channel for more good songs.
If you enjoyed these songs, be sure to check out the Best Songs of 2014.
1. Carly Rae Jepsen - Your Type
Carly Rae Jepsen had a great year with several hit songs including the popular "I Really Like You" and "Run Away With Me" but my favorite of all of them and pick for best song of the year is "Your Type". Carly Rae has a wonderful voice for pop music and in this one, the emotion really comes through.
2. Bloodhound Gang - American Bitches
BHG has been out of the spotlight for years, but they came back this year with a new album dropping late in 2015. The lead single from the album American Bitches takes on a little bit of a touchy subject but infuses creative and amusing lyrics as we have come to expect from the Bloodhound Gang. While many of their new songs are more electronic based, this one goes back to the roots with pop rock.
3. Lifehouse - Flight
Another band that has created great songs over the years is back with an epic new song Flight. It starts out slowly with an emotional feel and builds up to a power ending.
4. Ronald Jenkees - Try the Bass
Ronald Jenkees is an interesting music producer who may not have a huge following compared to some of the other artists out there, but he is extremely talented when it comes to making music. Here is a funky new song this year where he performs live on his Youtube channel.
5. The Mowgli's - I'm Good
In the mood for a straight forward catch pop song? The Mowgli's have you covered with their song "I'm Good". It has a summer time vibe and is easy to get into right from the first listen.
6. Meghan Tonjes - Oh Father
Up and coming singer songwriter Meghan Tonjes makes the list this year with an original song that is beautiful and heart felt. This is a live version that was first performed on her Youtube channel. Hopefully it will have a studio version soon!
7. Rachel Bloom - I Give Good Parent
Rachel Bloom burst on the scene this year with a new music comedy show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Each episode contains original songs and here is rap style song she did for the first season. If you like this be sure to check out her Youtube Channel and the CW Channel for more good songs.
If you enjoyed these songs, be sure to check out the Best Songs of 2014.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Best Songs of 2014
It is time once again for the annual Best Songs of the Year! This year, was different because I did not closely follow music as I have done in previous years, in fact I tried to avoid music for the most part. Despite this, I still managed to find some good songs to share throughout the year. Enjoy!
1. Bad Lip Reading - Carl Poppa
Bad Lip Reading is a Youtube channel known for voice dubbing over popular music videos, tv shows, movies, and sports. They are also incredibly talented at making original music as heard in this video where they make an original song to some clips from the show Walking Dead. BLR knows how to make a catchy hit song that could easily top the pop charts. They have many other great songs as well including this other song released for the Hunger Games movie.
2. Violent Soho - Saramona Said
Here is a band out of Australia that has sort of that 90's alternative rock sound. They had a few big hits this year with the songs Covered in Chrome and this one here Saramona Said. It also has a great video featuring the "one continuous shot" style. If you like bands like Weezer, Nirvana, or Pixies, definitely check this one out!
3. Duck Sauce - NRG
A high energy electronic pop song comes in at number 3 this year with NRG by Duck Sauce. It has kind of a timeless pop likeability similar to Junior Senior's Move Your Feet. The original song is great and there is also a good remix of the song here in collaboration with Skrillex, Kill the Noise, and Milo & Otis. This video features Phil Villeneuve as he dances through the streets listening to the song.
4. 311 - Five of Everything
311 has been around for a long time and was one of my original favorite bands. This year they came out with a new album "Stereolithic" which has been positively received my many of the the long time fans. This single off the album captures the classic 311 sound many have been missing for so long.
5. Gregory and the Hawk - Heart Attack
Meredith from Gregory and the Hawk is a singer/songwriter/musician who has been making beautiful songs for many years. This year she released and album "A Selection of Demos". They might be demos, but this song "Heart Attack" was good enough to make it onto the best songs of the year list!
6. Meghan Tonjes - Don't Call Me Love
Meghan Tonjes is a Youtuber who is also a great singer/songwriter. Here is an original acoustic song called Don't Call Me Love. She has a lot of other great original songs as well as cover songs here on here Youtube channel.
7. Dave and Ethan - Youtube Comment Song
Here is a song from the funny Youtube duo of Dave and Ethan. It is a song they made inspired by the comments they received on their videos. The topic and lyrics are silly but the song is actually very catchy and they are pretty good at singing too!
Hope you enjoyed the best songs of 2014! Feel free to leave a comment below if you found a good song here or if you had another favorite song from 2014.
Also check out the Best Songs of 2013 and the Best Songs of 2015.
1. Bad Lip Reading - Carl Poppa
Bad Lip Reading is a Youtube channel known for voice dubbing over popular music videos, tv shows, movies, and sports. They are also incredibly talented at making original music as heard in this video where they make an original song to some clips from the show Walking Dead. BLR knows how to make a catchy hit song that could easily top the pop charts. They have many other great songs as well including this other song released for the Hunger Games movie.
2. Violent Soho - Saramona Said
Here is a band out of Australia that has sort of that 90's alternative rock sound. They had a few big hits this year with the songs Covered in Chrome and this one here Saramona Said. It also has a great video featuring the "one continuous shot" style. If you like bands like Weezer, Nirvana, or Pixies, definitely check this one out!
3. Duck Sauce - NRG
A high energy electronic pop song comes in at number 3 this year with NRG by Duck Sauce. It has kind of a timeless pop likeability similar to Junior Senior's Move Your Feet. The original song is great and there is also a good remix of the song here in collaboration with Skrillex, Kill the Noise, and Milo & Otis. This video features Phil Villeneuve as he dances through the streets listening to the song.
4. 311 - Five of Everything
311 has been around for a long time and was one of my original favorite bands. This year they came out with a new album "Stereolithic" which has been positively received my many of the the long time fans. This single off the album captures the classic 311 sound many have been missing for so long.
5. Gregory and the Hawk - Heart Attack
Meredith from Gregory and the Hawk is a singer/songwriter/musician who has been making beautiful songs for many years. This year she released and album "A Selection of Demos". They might be demos, but this song "Heart Attack" was good enough to make it onto the best songs of the year list!
6. Meghan Tonjes - Don't Call Me Love
Meghan Tonjes is a Youtuber who is also a great singer/songwriter. Here is an original acoustic song called Don't Call Me Love. She has a lot of other great original songs as well as cover songs here on here Youtube channel.
7. Dave and Ethan - Youtube Comment Song
Here is a song from the funny Youtube duo of Dave and Ethan. It is a song they made inspired by the comments they received on their videos. The topic and lyrics are silly but the song is actually very catchy and they are pretty good at singing too!
Hope you enjoyed the best songs of 2014! Feel free to leave a comment below if you found a good song here or if you had another favorite song from 2014.
Also check out the Best Songs of 2013 and the Best Songs of 2015.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
10 Best Songs of 2013
For the first time in years I had trouble picking out at least 10 good songs from the year. I found a lot of great new songs, but many of them were from previous years. Because of this, some of the songs at the end of this list will be from years other than 2013. So here you go, the best songs of the year are:
1. Chvrches - Lies
Chvrches is a new band from Scotland who make synth pop music. They have appeared on the scene in a big way and have already gain quite a following with just a few songs. They are a trio made up of 2 guys and the lead singer Lauren Mayberry who is absolutely beautiful in both appearance and in voice. Here is one of their hits called Lies. Also check out their song, The Mother We Share.
2. The 1975 - Chocolate
The 1975 is an interesting band that seems to have a wide range of music style ranging from pop to atmospheric emotional songs. They are a 4 piece band from the UK who have been pumping out EPs faster than I can keep track of. Here is possibly their biggest hit so far, a song called Chocolate. It's a very catchy pop tune. Enjoy.
3. The Knocks - Magic - Viceroy Remix
Here is a song by The Knocks that has been remixed perfectly by Viceroy. If there could be one song to capture the feeling of summer, this would be the one. It has a tropical feel and pop sensibility to make it very nice to listen it.
4. Frightened Rabbit - The Woodpile
Frightened Rabbit has a lot of loyal fans for good reason. They have been around for a while and have had several hits, yet have managed to stay out of the mainstream so far. They have a new hit this year with The Woodpile. It has a powerful chorus and great lyrics. The video is also very good. Make sure to watch until the end. No spoilers.
5. Bibio - A Tout A L'heure
I just found this song recently and while I don't know much about the artist Bibio, his new single A Tout A L'heure is certainly very catchy. Apparently the title translates to "See you later" in English. Like all of the songs on this list, it can get stuck in your head very easily.
6. The Lonely Island - Spring Break Anthem
Gotta love these guys. They put out consistently funny material in the form of songs that are actually very good. This is an anthem type song with an epic instrumental about spring break and social issues.
7. G-Eazy - Gotta Go
It must be no coincidence that G-Eazy continues to earn a place on the top 10 list year after year. He has a knack for good rhymes and catchy instrumentals which he produces himself. This song is actually an extra from the material he is putting together for the new album. Love the instrumental on this one.
8. Knower - Time Traveler
Possibly the most interesting act on this list this year is Knower, a duo consisting of Louis Cole and Genevieve Artadi. Their music is not the easiest to listen to, but there is a lot of technicality in the production combined with catchy vocal hooks.
9. Tanya Davis - Bury Me
Tanya Davis is a poet and song writer from Halifax Nova Scotia. She has many wonderful spoken word poems as well as original songs. This is an acoustic number from her album Clocks and Hearts Keep Going.
10. Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip - Thou Shalt Always Kill
I love songs that are different and don't really follow the traditional genres and and forms we are used to hearing. This one takes some electronic beats and combines repeated spoken word to create one unique song about what thou shalt not do.
Hope you enjoyed the songs on this list of best songs of 2013. Did you find a new song you like? Is there a song you love that should be on this list? Let us know in the comments below.
Also check out the 10 Best Songs of 2012.
1. Chvrches - Lies
Chvrches is a new band from Scotland who make synth pop music. They have appeared on the scene in a big way and have already gain quite a following with just a few songs. They are a trio made up of 2 guys and the lead singer Lauren Mayberry who is absolutely beautiful in both appearance and in voice. Here is one of their hits called Lies. Also check out their song, The Mother We Share.
2. The 1975 - Chocolate
The 1975 is an interesting band that seems to have a wide range of music style ranging from pop to atmospheric emotional songs. They are a 4 piece band from the UK who have been pumping out EPs faster than I can keep track of. Here is possibly their biggest hit so far, a song called Chocolate. It's a very catchy pop tune. Enjoy.
3. The Knocks - Magic - Viceroy Remix
Here is a song by The Knocks that has been remixed perfectly by Viceroy. If there could be one song to capture the feeling of summer, this would be the one. It has a tropical feel and pop sensibility to make it very nice to listen it.
4. Frightened Rabbit - The Woodpile
Frightened Rabbit has a lot of loyal fans for good reason. They have been around for a while and have had several hits, yet have managed to stay out of the mainstream so far. They have a new hit this year with The Woodpile. It has a powerful chorus and great lyrics. The video is also very good. Make sure to watch until the end. No spoilers.
5. Bibio - A Tout A L'heure
I just found this song recently and while I don't know much about the artist Bibio, his new single A Tout A L'heure is certainly very catchy. Apparently the title translates to "See you later" in English. Like all of the songs on this list, it can get stuck in your head very easily.
6. The Lonely Island - Spring Break Anthem
Gotta love these guys. They put out consistently funny material in the form of songs that are actually very good. This is an anthem type song with an epic instrumental about spring break and social issues.
7. G-Eazy - Gotta Go
It must be no coincidence that G-Eazy continues to earn a place on the top 10 list year after year. He has a knack for good rhymes and catchy instrumentals which he produces himself. This song is actually an extra from the material he is putting together for the new album. Love the instrumental on this one.
8. Knower - Time Traveler
Possibly the most interesting act on this list this year is Knower, a duo consisting of Louis Cole and Genevieve Artadi. Their music is not the easiest to listen to, but there is a lot of technicality in the production combined with catchy vocal hooks.
9. Tanya Davis - Bury Me
Tanya Davis is a poet and song writer from Halifax Nova Scotia. She has many wonderful spoken word poems as well as original songs. This is an acoustic number from her album Clocks and Hearts Keep Going.
10. Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip - Thou Shalt Always Kill
I love songs that are different and don't really follow the traditional genres and and forms we are used to hearing. This one takes some electronic beats and combines repeated spoken word to create one unique song about what thou shalt not do.
Hope you enjoyed the songs on this list of best songs of 2013. Did you find a new song you like? Is there a song you love that should be on this list? Let us know in the comments below.
Also check out the 10 Best Songs of 2012.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
10 Best Songs of 2012
It is time to recap the best songs of 2012. For this list, there are only a few rules including: No super popular songs that everyone has heard, no artist repeats, and although most of the songs are from this year, some may have been released in a previous year. Here are Connected Isolation's top 10 songs of 2012:
1. Ricki Lee - Raining Diamonds
The number 1 song this year is Raining Diamonds by Australian singer songwriter Ricki Lee. It boggles my mind as to why this song did not get extremely popular. It has all the ingredients of a perfect pop song. Also check out the live version she did of this song on X-Factor.
2. Reggie Watts - Fuck Shit Stack
Reggie Watts may be one of the most talented and innovative acts in the music scene today. He makes songs on the fly using his voice, looping machines, and synthesizers. His live performances are hilarious and will leave you in awe. Here is one of his more popular songs called Fuck Shit Stack.
3. G-Eazy - Lost in Translation
G-Eazy has a knack for picking some of the best samples to use in his songs and this one is no exception as he samples the song PonPonPon by Japanese pop star Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. The chorus is fun and catchy and the beat and lyrics are excellent as what we have come to expect from G-Eazy. If you like this, check out his recent mixtapes available for free download.
4. Die Antwoord - Baby's On Fire
They may be number 4 on this list, but Die Antwoord is the artist of the year. No other act is as interesting, different, and genre redefining as these guys. Every song and video they put out will captivate your interest whether you like it or not. To learn more about them and hear more of their songs, check out the profile feature here.
5. Flight of the Conchords - Feel Inside
It's been a while since FOTC have put out some new music, but this year they released a special song for charity called Feel Inside. They actually got the lyrics by interviewing a bunch of kids to help get suggestions for the song. Then with collaboration of a bunch of artists, the final product was created and it turned out remarkably well. It's funny, heartwarming, and powerful all rolled into one. Here is the extended version to show how they came up with the song (song starts at 5:05).
6. Icona Pop - I Love It
Here is a catchy synth pop song by the Swedish lady duo of Icona Pop. This one will be stuck in your head before one listen. The lyrics are fun to sing along with and the music is great for dance parties.
7. Gregory and the Hawk - Blind and Unwise
Slowing down a bit for this next one from GATH. Meridith aka Gregory and the Hawk has one of the most beautiful voices around and she shows it here in the song Blind and Unwise from her latest album.
8. The Naked and Famous - Young Blood (White Sea Remix)
This New Zealand band has gained some attention with their hit song Young Blood. This remix starts off with some angelic singing and slowly builds into a grungy yet delicate electo pop song. White Sea, who is a female, which is rare in the business of remixing and music production, does a fantastic job with the vocal editing and arrangement.
9. Adrian Lux - Fire (R3hab Remix)
If there is an epic dance song on the list, this is it. This remix of Adrian Lux's Fire has some of the most intense sounds I have heard. The chorus synths just crash with force you can feel. Coupled with some nice vocals make this a great song for the clubs or anywhere for that matter.
10. Twin Atlantic - Make a Beast of Myself
Wrapping up the 10 best songs of the year is Twin Atlantic with the song Make a Beast of Myself. With electronic pop dominating the list, this rock song brings some needed diversity. This Scottish band has hit with this passionate song. The video is great too as it tells a story in slow motion.
Did you find a new song you like here? What was your favorite song of 2012? Leave it in the comments below.
To see last year's list of the 10 best songs of 2011 go here.
Also check out the 10 Best Songs of 2013.
1. Ricki Lee - Raining Diamonds
The number 1 song this year is Raining Diamonds by Australian singer songwriter Ricki Lee. It boggles my mind as to why this song did not get extremely popular. It has all the ingredients of a perfect pop song. Also check out the live version she did of this song on X-Factor.
2. Reggie Watts - Fuck Shit Stack
Reggie Watts may be one of the most talented and innovative acts in the music scene today. He makes songs on the fly using his voice, looping machines, and synthesizers. His live performances are hilarious and will leave you in awe. Here is one of his more popular songs called Fuck Shit Stack.
3. G-Eazy - Lost in Translation
G-Eazy has a knack for picking some of the best samples to use in his songs and this one is no exception as he samples the song PonPonPon by Japanese pop star Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. The chorus is fun and catchy and the beat and lyrics are excellent as what we have come to expect from G-Eazy. If you like this, check out his recent mixtapes available for free download.
4. Die Antwoord - Baby's On Fire
They may be number 4 on this list, but Die Antwoord is the artist of the year. No other act is as interesting, different, and genre redefining as these guys. Every song and video they put out will captivate your interest whether you like it or not. To learn more about them and hear more of their songs, check out the profile feature here.
5. Flight of the Conchords - Feel Inside
It's been a while since FOTC have put out some new music, but this year they released a special song for charity called Feel Inside. They actually got the lyrics by interviewing a bunch of kids to help get suggestions for the song. Then with collaboration of a bunch of artists, the final product was created and it turned out remarkably well. It's funny, heartwarming, and powerful all rolled into one. Here is the extended version to show how they came up with the song (song starts at 5:05).
6. Icona Pop - I Love It
Here is a catchy synth pop song by the Swedish lady duo of Icona Pop. This one will be stuck in your head before one listen. The lyrics are fun to sing along with and the music is great for dance parties.
7. Gregory and the Hawk - Blind and Unwise
Slowing down a bit for this next one from GATH. Meridith aka Gregory and the Hawk has one of the most beautiful voices around and she shows it here in the song Blind and Unwise from her latest album.
8. The Naked and Famous - Young Blood (White Sea Remix)
This New Zealand band has gained some attention with their hit song Young Blood. This remix starts off with some angelic singing and slowly builds into a grungy yet delicate electo pop song. White Sea, who is a female, which is rare in the business of remixing and music production, does a fantastic job with the vocal editing and arrangement.
9. Adrian Lux - Fire (R3hab Remix)
If there is an epic dance song on the list, this is it. This remix of Adrian Lux's Fire has some of the most intense sounds I have heard. The chorus synths just crash with force you can feel. Coupled with some nice vocals make this a great song for the clubs or anywhere for that matter.
10. Twin Atlantic - Make a Beast of Myself
Wrapping up the 10 best songs of the year is Twin Atlantic with the song Make a Beast of Myself. With electronic pop dominating the list, this rock song brings some needed diversity. This Scottish band has hit with this passionate song. The video is great too as it tells a story in slow motion.
Did you find a new song you like here? What was your favorite song of 2012? Leave it in the comments below.
To see last year's list of the 10 best songs of 2011 go here.
Also check out the 10 Best Songs of 2013.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
10 Best Songs of 2011
- No artist repeats throughout the list.
- Song does not have to be released in 2011, it could be the year before.
- Omission of super popular songs.
Here are my picks for the top 10 songs of 2011:
1. Outasight - Tonight is the Night
Outasight is a singer/rapper who broke into mainstream this year with his hit Tonight is the Night which was featured in a Pepsi commercial. This song has all the makings of a "song of the year" including good production, catchiness, and overall likeability. Outasight's music is a fresh mix of funk, pop, and hip hop. If you like these styles, be sure to look him up as he has a bunch of other great songs.
2. Demi Lavato - Skyscraper
Demi Lavato comes in at number 2 with this emotional well written song called Skyscraper. In this song she has been broken down by a relationship, but is rising back like a skyscraper as the lyrics suggest. This is one of those songs you can really feel. It's the kind of song that can give you chills.
3. Meghan Tonjes - This Year
Independent singer songwriter Meghan Tonjes has had a huge year. Gaining popularity from doing cover songs on Youtube, she has made a name for herself and has even released orginal songs such as this one called This Year. It's an inspirational song that predict how this year is going to be a good one. The message in this song certainly came true for her.
4. The Grates - Carve Your Name
The Grates are one of my new favorite bands of the year. They are currently a 2 piece (former 3 piece) band from Australia who make fun, catchy indie rock songs. This song, Carve Your Name, is not from their newest album, but it is my favorite song from them. Their lead single from this year, Turn Me On, is also worth checking out.
5. Matisyahu - Miracle
I don't know what is it about Matisyahu, but the guy really knows how to make a hit song. This one called Miracle debuted late last year. It is powerful, uplifting, and has a great beat. Matisyahu is on a hot streak having had his song One Day featured on last year's 10 Best list.
6. Bad Lip Reading - Rockin' All Night Long
Bad Lip Reading is a mysterious Youtube artist who takes other music video and creates completely original music and vocals to go with them by over dubbing the lyrics. This idea is innovative as is, but when you realize that these songs are professional quality and actually better than the original songs, that's when you know you have something special. Here's is my favorite of the year from them called Rockin' All Night Long where they used a Taylor Swift video and really made it a bangin' song.
7. Alicia Keys - Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart
I found this one early in the year and while it is not from 2011, it was so good that I had to feature it in my top 10 songs of the year. I'm not a huge Alicia Keys fan, but this song really struck a chord with me. I love the instrumental and the vocals go perfectly with it.
8. Nicki Minaj ft. Swizz Beatz - Catch Me
Like the previous song, I am not a fan of Nicki Minaj, but the collaboration here with producer Swizz Beatz really made this song a stand out. The structure and beat are very different from most songs you hear these days. It has several different elements from rap, to singing, to spacy vocals. Catch Me is an emotional song with a beat that stays interesting even after multiple listens.
9. Kylie Minogue - Get Outta My Way
I found this song through a Youtube video where a guy named Phil had it playing in his headphones while he danced around the subway among unsuspecting passengers. Get Outta My Way is a catchy dance pop song with loops and layers that will get stuck in your head if you are not careful.
10. Small Black - Moon Killer
It was tough to round out this list, but after much deliberation, I selected this song by a New York electronic band called Small Black. The song Moon Killer has a sweeping instrumental and wondrous vocals that fill out the track and make it dreamlike. Enjoy!
If you liked the songs on this list, be sure to leave a comment below!
Check out last years list: Top 11 Songs of 2010.
Also check out the Ten Best Songs of 2012.
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