Years like these are definitely one of the more exciting years in music. While most of my faves didn't release music this year, it allowed me the opportunity to search for new artists and new music. It was very difficult for me to rank the many songs and albums I got into this year. Because of all of the songs I've grown attached to, I have expanded my songs list to 110. I will still rank my top ten favorites albums and music videos as well. I'm very excited to share my list with ATRL and I hope you all will like it! I can't wait to see everyone else's as well! Enjoy
Foster the People slayed me in 2011 and in 2012, hipster jams kept flooding the music scene. I am very pleased with this change of direction. I am still very happy about the dance sound, but I love how this alternative sound is mixing in. The best of the best are on this track and it was a perfect way to start out my list.
#109. Zedd - "Hourglass" (featuring Liz)
I am really excited for Lady Gaga's new music (which hopefully be out sometime soon) therefore I knew that to be prepared for her new sound that I should check out Zedd. I am very impressed and can't wait to hear the direction that they take. Not only does Zedd serve hard-hitting beats, but the melody of Liz's vocals are on point. Great jam for the Fall.
#108. Madonna - "Best Friend"
It has taken me a LONG time to get used to Madonna. Sure, she has her legendary jams, but I've always found her to be a reductive, try-hard mess. Surprisingly though, MDNA has changed my mind (despite that horrid song she attempted to release as a first single - what a joke). "Best Friend" is ice-cold, but it makes it very believable with Madonna's personality. I may not like Madonna, but she is great with her craft (as Britney would say). The chorus is strong and subdued verses really fit with the mood and lyrics of the song. Well done Madonna, well done.
#107. Among Savages - "Terrified"
Another hipster-alternative jam. This baby was free on iTunes earlier this year and I immediately fell in love with it. It was perfect for the winter months. The "ooh" 's in this song make the song for me.
#106. Crystal Castles - "Affection"
Crystal Castles definitely is a very definitive force in dance-trance music. "Affection" is definitely one of their best and it wasn't a surprise to me that it's one of their most popular from their most recent album. I really enjoyed that faint hip hop drum in it. The thing that always makes Crystal Castles songs for me is that they really do hold a lot of emotion and say a lot without even saying anything. It's brilliant.
#105. Flo Rida - "I Cry"
This is really embarrassing for me to admit that I like this. Guilty pleasure for sure. Flo Rida definitely makes some of the most embarrassing songs, raps, etc. It's amazing to me how he still scores hit singles after all of these years. However, when the sample is right, the song is hot for Flo Rida. Of course I'm not attached to these songs because of Flo Rida's lyrics - I would have to rethink my life if that were the case. The chorus is so infectious and catchy that I just couldn't resist downloading this song.
#104. Train - "Drive By"
I have a love/hate thing for Train. I absolutely despised "Hey Soul Sister", but this song is great. The chorus is perfect for the pop/rock genre and it really works for them. The lyrics are still cheesy, but bearable unlike some of their other singles.
#103. Drake - "Headlines"
Even though I downloaded Drake's album last year when it could have been eligible for my 2011 list, I never actually took the time to listen to it. Sometime this summer, one of my Facebook friends recorded their own piano cover of it and I became in love with the song. I love the autotuned chrous ("They know, they know, they know").
#102. Kavinsky - "Nightcall"
Yes, I know - this was technically released in 2010, but due to it being featured on the Drive soundtrack and my friend showing me this earlier this year, I was not exposed to it then. I love the dark tone to this song. It's creepy, but it's wonderful. I love listening to this on a night drive.
#101. Jason Mraz - "Frank D. Fixer"
Jason Mraz never fails on me. I became a huge fan when I bought his last album in 2008 and I was super excited for his next song. The relaxed vibe to the song is therapeutic and damn, can he write a chorus or what?
#100. Aaliyah - "Enough Said" (featuring Drake)
Hell to the ****ing yeah! New Aaliyah! I was ready for emotional breakdown (the good kind). Some fans bitched about it, but I don't give a damn about Drake being on it, I'm glad that he understands the need for new Aaliyah music. There is so much unreleased Aaliyah to hear and this was the perfect way to introduce her back on the scene. I really hope we get this album soon, or else I'll be ready for an emotional breakdown (the bad kind).