20. Robin Thicke “Magic"
Album: Something Else
Genre: R&B
Producer: Robin Thicke
US Billboard Hot 100: #59
Robin Thicke returned this year with a new sound and a new song
Magic, the first single from his latest album Something Else. The song took a few listens to grow on me, but when it did, I was addicted to it and couldn’t stop playing it. Robin Thicke is an amazing vocalist and he makes the song his own as his signature falsetto can be heard in the bridge of the song. He sings every line with confidence, including the addictive hook which I love,
I got it you got it we got the magic girl. The video is cool, but the choreography is atrocious, he should never attempt dancing again.
Magic is R&B at its best and without a doubt one of the best of the year, Robin never disappoints and I’m sure his next projects are gonna be as good as this song.
19. Brandy “Right Here (Departed)"
Album: Human
Genre: R&B, Pop
Producer: Rodney Jerkins
US Billboard Hot 100: #34
I’ve never been to interested in Brandy’s music, but when
Right Here (Departed) caught my ear, I loved it immediately. Brandy returns to the music scene with an emotional single about surviving difficult times. The video takes it one step further showing grieving family members being visited by a spirit like Brandy, who comforts them. Brandy’s vocals are perfect as she sings with confidence and spirit catchy and comforting lines such as
“I’ll be right here with you, you’ll be right here with me” and
“when the clouds have all departed, you’ll be right here with me.” Brandy is currently fighting to stay relevant, but I believe that she has plenty of hit material in ‘Human’, and I truly hope to hear more from her next year. This track is hands down one of the best R&B singles released this year.
18. Danity Kane “Damaged”
Album: Welcome To The Dollhouse
Genre: Dance-pop
Producer: Stereotypes, Combs, Winans
US Billboard Hot 100: #10
When they asked fans to choose between this and
Pretty Boy, I just knew
Damaged had to be their lead single, it is so catchy, and as we all know, it was a huge hit for them. After hearing the first line,
“Do you got a first aid kit handy”, you already know the song is gonna be ear candy. Danity Kane know what works for them, and even though they decided to change their sound, they still delivered a pop masterpiece. As the title suggest, the lyrics are about a broken heart and how past break-up is present even when a new love relationship comes along. Although, the video has nothing to do with the song, I like it, it shows the girls in a futuristic background dancing to the song, and it doesn’t hurt that Aubrey looks hot as hell there. This song will possibly be the last we hear from them, but at least they left us with a great last impression and a enjoyable catchy tune.
