Top 10 (+7) Of 2011

Inspired by my son Cameron's blog for his high school news magazine I've decided to throw together a top ten list of songs for 2011.  To be truthful, not a great year for music, but there are some bright spots.  At least one qualifier, I've got nothing against Adele, I just don't hear her right I guess.

Top Ten of 2011

1.      Brighter Than The Sun – Colbie Caillet

Bringing back Fleetwood Mac type vibe and that’s a good thing.

2.     Tonight, Tonight – Hot Chelle Rae

Perfect pop confection.  Flawless.

3.     This Is Country Music – Brad Paisley

What the title says.  Cliché upon cliché reminds that cliché begins somewhere in truth, which is what country does better than any genre.

4.      Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall – Coldplay

These guys are magic.  Physically unable to make bad music.

5.      Good Life – One Republic

A guilty pleasure I think, but a really sonically pleasing one.

6.     You and Tequila – Kenny Chesney (with Grace Potter)

Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter do what you would least expect – understated.

7.      Back To December – Taylor Swift

       Lovely.

8.      Paris – Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

“If I was from Paris I would say….”  Not understated at all.  Big time fun.

9.     You and I – Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga pulls off the unlikely, only Gaga could do it, task of suggesting mid 70’s Elton John, sounding like the lost Shania Twain single, and building in a Brian May signature moment. 

10   Mean – Taylor Swift

Another great song by a great songwriter.  Most of us just live through pain, heartbreak, joy, ordinary events, etc.  Taylor Swift lives through it and then writes a great song about it.

11  Edge Of Glory –Lady Gaga

Clarence Clemons last great moment.   The Big Man was on the charts when he left us.

12.  Crazy Girl – Eli Young Band

Not quite as good as the best off of “Jet Black and Jealous”, but still a cut above most country folks.

13.  For The First Time – The Script

A pop song about making a relationship work in a tough economy.  Wonder how this found an audience.

14.  Moves Like Jagger – Maroon  5

While it’s unlikely anyone actually has the moves like Jagger (except Mick himself), this song is catchy like Maroon 5.

15. The One That Got Away – Katy Perry

Music sounds like Katy Perry, lyrics sound like Taylor Swift.

16. Superheavy – Miracle Worker

Mick chimes in with “There’s nothing wrong with you I can’t fix!  I comea runnin’ with my little bag o’ tricks.”  That guy still has the moves like Jagger. 

17.  Modern Love – Matt Nathanson

Thoughtful pop that sneaks up on you by not trying to hard.

To check out Cameron's list...

http://ww2.bullittschools.org/BEHSLiveWire/index.php/2011/12/31/12-31-2011-all-you-need-is-love-2-best-and-worst-songs-of-2011/