Fresh Coverage: Pop-punk boys take on dance, country, and folk...

Because covering a song may very well be the biggest form of musical flattery, here are a few discoveries from some of my favorite pop-punk bands/indie artists as they bring interesting twists to some familiar mainstream hit songs...and while you're at it, go check out their original stuff...you won't soon regret it.

Forever The Sickest Kids - Love Story: The power pop sextet takes on Taylor Swift's country-pop hit about teenage love) from Romeo's P.O.V.

A Cursive Memory - Disturbia: This teenage foursome surprisingly give a funky/soulful rendition of Rihanna's '08 summer jam)

School Boy Humor - Realize: This little known Arkansas-based band may be new to the scene (their Vagrant Records debut album hits stores this month), but they are groomed to be the next big thing as they take on this Colbie Caillat classic.

A Rocket To The Moon - Forever & Always: Last, but certainly not least...ARTTM a.k.a. Nick Santino proves that with two instruments (his voice and guitar), his stripped-down acoustic effort is, perhaps, more earnest-sounding than the original. But then again, a song such as this is owed to amazing lyrics by Miss Swift.

Grammys 2009 Hi-lites

The Grammy Awards was full of a whole lotta drama when it was announced moments prior to the telecast that Chris Brown pulled out of the show for allegedly being accused of making a felony domestic battery against a female victim, who many sources are confirming to be Chris's significant other Rihanna, who was also scheduled to perform. The two were nominated for multiple awards, yet neither showed up. In Rihanna's place, Justin Timberlake & Al Green gave an impromptu performance. Rihanna was to also perform "Live Your Life" with T.I. but it was J.T. who accompanied the rapper with his vocal performance on their next single "Dead And Gone":

Another dramatic moment of the evening belonged to American Idol 2003 alum Jennifer Hudson who finally won a Grammy award for best R&B album and gave an emotional performance which alluded to the tragic murders of her family members this past year.

Of the four British ladies nominated for multiple awards this year -- Duffy, Estelle, Adele, and Leona Lewis -- it was only Leona, the mainstream breakthrough artist of the past year, who left empty-handed. Adele won the "Best New Artist" and "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" for her song "Chasing Pavements", Duffy won "Best Pop Vocal Album" (Rockferry), and Estelle won for her collaboration with Kanye West on "American Boy".

For the rock awards, Coldplay racked up three wins for Best Rock Album (Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends), Song of the Year for "Viva La Vida", and Best Pop Vocal Group Performance. Radiohead's In Rainbows won Best Alternative Album while John Mayer has proven to have the best singing chops in two categories: Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "Say" and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for "Gravity", both from his '06 album Continuum.

Friss Zene fave Katy Perry performed "I Kissed A Girl" and it garnered very mixed reviews.

Oh well. At least she successfully channeled the spirit of Carmen Miranda as a lovely vision in fruit.

Take a bow and float away, 2008...it's The Top 80 of 2008

Surprise! Surprise! I am back from obscurity to do my annual end-of-year post. As I have done the past few years, I will close 2008 with a countdown of my favorite songs of the year (Yeah yeah, I am a few weeks late :p) The following songs have helped to define the past year for me -- some of them, personal anthems, others as 'hit the club' type of hits, and everything in between. BTW if you find that I did not include an incredibly popular song from the past year, more likely than not I probably hated it (i.e. "I Kissed A Girl" :) What I will apologize for is leaving some of you hanging the last few months. I've been working full time, so my attention has kept me away from updating this site, but I guess my new year's resolution for this site is to update it more. I will make every effort to add a little something from time to time.

Close to making it, but no cigar: Colbie Caillat - "Realize", Metro Station - "Shake It", P!nk - So What, The Click Five - "Flipside", Kevin Rudolf - "Let It Rock". Note: The songs marked with "*" may have not reached their peak yet, so they have the potential of charting in 2009. Enjoy!

The Top 80 of 2008 by Ray V.

80: Rehab - Rihanna feat. Justin Timberlake
79: Say (All I Need) - OneRepublic
78: Lovers In Japan* - Coldplay
77: Light On - David Cook
76: Poker Face* - Lady GaGa
75: Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)* - Beyonce
74: Weightless - Nada Surf
73: You Make It Real - James Morrison
72: If I Never See Your Face - Maroon 5 feat. Rihanna
71: The Little Things - Colbie Caillat

70: Somebody's Gonna Miss Us - The Starting Line
69: In Love With A Girl - Gavin DeGraw
68: Mercy - Duffy
67: I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
66: Everything I Ask For - The Maine
65: Candle (Sick And Tired)* - The White Tie Affair
64: Stay Away - Josh Hoge
63: Your Call* - Secondhand Serenade
62: Leavin' - Jesse McCartney
61: That's What You Get - Paramore

60: Circus* - Britney Spears
59: Everything - A Cursive Memory
58: Forever - Chris Brown
57: This Is Home - Switchfoot
56: I'm Gone, I'm Going - Lesley Roy
55: Closer - Ne-Yo
54: Paper Planes - M.I.A.
53: Viva La Vida - Coldplay
52: Do You Feel - The Rocket Summer
51: Don't Trust Me* - 3OH!3

50: Northern Downpour* - Panic At The Disco
49: Whoa Oh! (Me Vs. Everyone) - Forever The Sickest Kids
48: Shattered (Turn The Car Around) - O.A.R.
47: Until You - Dave Barnes
46: The Man Who Can't Be Moved* - The Script
45: Thunder - Boys Like Girls
44: Disturbia - Rihanna
43: Jamie All Over - Mayday Parade
42: Into Your Arms - The Maine
41: Hot N' Cold* - Katy Perry

40: Fall For You - Secondhand Serenade
39: T-Shirt - Shontelle
38: Summer Hair = Forever Young - The Academy Is...
37: Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis (#48 in 2007)
36: Always Be - Jimmy Eat World
35: Womanizer - Britney Spears
34: No Air - Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown
33: Check Yes Juliet - We The Kings
32: The Way She Moves- Forever The Sickest Kids
31: So Close - Jon McLaughlin

30: Little Miss Obsessive - Ashlee Simpson feat. Tom Higgenson
29: If This Room Could Move - I Nine
28: Beating My Heart - Jon McLaughlin
27: Love Me - National Product
26: If I Were A Boy - Beyonce
25: Just Dance* - Lady GaGa feat. Colby O'Donis
24: Beautiful Beat - Nada Surf
23: With Me - Sum 41
22: This Love* - The Veronicas
21: With You - Chris Brown (#55 in 2007)

20: Hero/Heroine - Boys Like Girls
Spending two weeks at the top spot of the Friss Zene countdown in early January, the Massachusetts-based band led by Martin Johnson's video for Hero/Heroine was actually the second version. Originally released as the first single off their eponymous debut, the song was re-released after the success of their hit "The Great Escape".

19: February Air - Lights
When I first heard of this song -- yes on that major national clothing company store's television commercial -- I was immediately entranced by this girl's breathy vocals set against electro-pop beats. I hope to see big things (including her debut) from Lights next year.

18: Better In Time - Leona Lewis
Although her other hit became a bigger chart success this past year, "Better In Time" is the type of song that better showcases the vocal prowess of this young lady from England. Catchy drumbeat throughout the song? Check. The chops to pull off somewhat romantic cliches? Check. Hit in 09? We will see...

17: I'm Not Over - Carolina Liar
The only band to make have two songs in the top 20, Chad Wolf leads his band Carolina Liar in this pop-rock head thumper penned by Swedish hit maker Max Martin.

16: Deliverance - Quietdrive
The result of an infusion of techno and alternative punk would sound something like this. Simply one of the best rock songs of 2008 and it wasn't even officially released as a single.

15: Sweet And Low - Augustana
A charming and earnest vocal delivery from frontman Dan Layus, Augustana came back to the fore with "Sweet And Low", a decidedly low-key affair that has the band going for a roots/folk sound for their sophomore album Can't Hurt, Can't Love. I was lucky enough to meet the band after their show in Hawaii this past summer and can say they are nice guys.

14: Change For You - The Midway State
Simplistic and majestic. Keyboardist and lead singer of Nathan Ferraro's haunting wail instantly piqued my interest. They haven't made it big in the states, but dare I say that this band may well be Canada's answer to Coldplay, only less bombastic. This song spent three weeks at the top on the Friss Zene countdown.

13: It Had To Be You - Motion City Soundtrack
12 months ago, Motion City Soundtrack landed at #13 with "Broken Heart" and now the Minneapolis-based band comfortably stays at the same position yet again with the next single "It Had To Be You". And again, MCR doesn't take themselves too seriously in their video, in which the band entertains sock pockets and become musical marionettes.

12: Take A Bow - Rihanna
The reigning queen of the year-end countdown (with last year's #1 "Umbrella") marks her FIFTH song appearance on the countdown with arguably the summer jam of 2008. Penned by Ne-Yo, this piano ballad about a scorned lover seems like a certain other song Ne-Yo happened to pen for a certain famous R&B songstress. Nonetheless, "Take A Bow" is another shining example of Rihanna's entrancing voice set alongside the impressive songwriting from the 'Gentleman'.

11: Beautiful World - Carolina Liar
Without sacrificing sincerity while maintaining a radio-friendly sensibility, the other standout track from Carolina Liar's debut Coming To Terms was this pleasantly unexpected track, a tragic/heartbreaking ballad about a man who has deluded himself after experiencing a particular tragedy: I wanna ask for directions but I don't dare to disturb / I got a thing with affections, yeah, That's why I'm walking alone. The chorus: Sunlight creeps in between the curtains / Lose the sheets, there's no time for sleep / I lie, I pretend 'til I'm almost certain it's a beautiful world

10: Stop And Stare - OneRepublic
Sure, OneRepublic hit it big last year with "Apologize", but I preferred this song, the second single off their Dreaming Out Loud. Ryan Tedder has written and/or produced many hits for other artists, including #37 and Beyonce's future single "Halo", yet his band has not been able to attain the same level of success of "Apologize". Nonetheless, the dude's got a knack for crafting pop tunes.

09: Whatever It Takes - Lifehouse
Lifehouse began 2008 on top of the Friss Zene countdown, landing at #1 for 3 weeks with "Whatever It Takes", a Jason Wade-led power ballad about a man's swoon-worthy attempt to remedy a failing relationship. This marks the second consecutive year a Lifehouse song has made the Top 20 ("First Time" was #11 last year).

08: Crush - David Archuleta
As the debut single for his self-titled album, this year's Idol runner-up had to match --or surpass-- the success of David Cook's debut single (more of that a little later). Thankfully, David Archuleta has the goods to deliver. "Crush" is by all means a classic pop song made for radio airplay and the throngs of tweens with disposable income whom are able to purchase the music. Simplistic yet catchy, its melody and chorus will stick in your head for days. It's a bonafide guilty pleasure.

07: Live Your Life - T.I. feat. Rihanna
I am not a huge fan of hip-hop, so it takes an amazing song like this for me to take notice. Collaborations between rappers and R&B songstresses are usually hit or miss. However, Rihanna, who is arguably the most successful female artist in 2008, has that distinct pop voice that can pull-off a rather unlikely sing-along chorus. Not only does this song have great beats and vocals, it is further enhanced by an overall affirming message through refreshingly thoughtful lyrics by Mr. T.I himself. My favorite lyric: I'm the opposite of moderate, immaculately polished with the spirit of a hustler and the swagger of a college kid

06: The Time Of My Life - David Cook
The 2008 American Idol's debut single had all the trappings of a reality television competition coronation song: syrupy-sweet lyrics about "magic rainbows" and cliches about rising from the ashes or finding wings on the road of achieving success. And yet, David Cook's rock delivery of a would-be also-ran, won me over. It debuted at #3 and was the highest debut single for any Idol winner since 2003. By the end of the year, the song has achieved platinum status. Goes to show that with major talent, Cook has the ability to take inspiration and create magic.

5: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT - Cute Is What We Aim For
My coming-of-age anthem of 2008. This promising debut single off their sophomore album Rotation is a departure from CIWWAF's previous releases due to the band's overall evolving sound. Lead singer Shaant Hacikyan presides over lyrics that speak of a self-awareness that comes with maturity and life experience, or, perhaps the realization of a lack thereof, and delivers mature sounding pipes through each rousing chorus.

4: ISLAND (FLOAT AWAY) - The Starting Line
The line "Well it seems like we can never catch a break" sounds so heartbreakingly true. The Starting Line began early 2008 announcing that their latest spring tour would be their last...for a long while. After their 2007 disc Direction failed to bring in the sales their label Virgin Records expected them to garner, they were subsequently told that promotion would cease after its brief release to rock stations. Led by the scruffy yet soulful frontman Kenny Vasoli, the Pennsylvanian quartet's "Island" had all the makings a huge hit: soaring choruses, the brilliant utilization of metaphor, ace guitar riffs, and a pop sensibility. One wonders what would have happened if it were released to mainstream radio, as it was originally intended. Island will remain as a personal favorite.

3: I'LL RUN - The Cab (with ZZZZZ and TAKE MY HAND as honorable mentions)
"I'll Run" was the inaugural debut single off Fueled By Ramen's newest signed band The Cab, had a record makeover of sorts from its original cut from the Vegas-based band's indie EP Glitz and Glamour. Now with major studio production touch-ups, a rythmic piano hook and guitar riff that plays throughout the song and soulful vocals from lead singer Alex Deleon, the song has helped develop a fellow fanbase since its debut on their Myspace in late 07. In February, I saw them on the "Really Really Ridiculous Good Looking Tour", in which they opened for Cobra Starship, what surprised me was (1) their youth (all in their teens) since they all seemed like seasoned pros because (2) they sounded great live, which indicated how they would translate as a full record. The result was an amazing collection of polished pop rock hits called Whisper War.

2: UNTOUCHED - The Veronicas
It is quite surprising to me how it is only now that the country is finally discovering how great this song is. Originally released as a spring single off their 2007 album Hook It Up, the Australian twin sis duo of Jess (newly blonde) and Lisa Origliasso may finally get their American chart breakthrough in 2009 with the song's re-release stateside. The song is co-written by Toby Gad, the dude who helped pen hits for Fergie ("Big Girls Don't Cry) and Beyonce (see #26). Undeniably the poppiest venture from the Veronicas, its rush of violin strings and a beat that sticks into your head like molasses contribute to its elegantly frenetic charm. What a fine electro-pop piece of art.

1: THINK OF YOU LATER (EMPTY ROOM) - Every Avenue
From Michigan pop-punkers Every Avenue, "Think Of You Later..." was an instant aural attraction way back in early 2008. In fact, I loved nearly every song off their eponymous debut. The majority of their album is unashamedly catchy -- a big positive in my book -- with anthemic sing-a-long choruses that makes you forget that this song is really a downer. Clocking in under 3 minutes, it is both radio-ready and refreshingly rosy in its faux optimism. Frontman Dave Ryan has, in my opinion, one of the best rock vocals in the scene. I listened to many, many pop, rock, and pop-punk singles this year. Some were more played out than others, but after eight months, I have yet to get tired of this. "Think Of You Later..." was recently released (Nov) as their second official single, so I sure hope it'll be a hit with others as it is with me. Ladies and gentlemen, "Think Of You Later (Empty Room)" is my song of 2008.

So, what do you think?! Do you agree with my choices? Comments are appreciated!

Bring on 2009.

Thanks For The Memories: Top 77 of 2007!

Before I conclude 2007, it has become a tradition of mine to post my top songs of the year. You may disagree with a few choices, and even downright question my taste in music. But the following choices reflect my favorites in top 40, r&b, rock, and popular music. I love discovering newly released music and sharing what's fresh with whoever comes on here to read and for the past five months, you had a taste of what i've been listening to via my weekly charts (which i probably will transfer over to an outside blog from myspace in the upcoming year). Now here are my favorite 77 songs of 07! The songs marked with "*" may have not reached their peak yet, so they have the potential of charting in 2008. Enjoy!

But first, close but no cigar: Colbie Caillat - "Bubbly", Faber Drive - "Tongue Tied", Justin Timberlake "What Goes Around Comes Around", Lil Mama - "Lip Gloss"

The Top 77 of 2007 by Ray V.

77: Because Of You - Ne-Yo
76: Almost Lover - A Fine Frenzy
75: Stop Me - Mark Ronson feat. Daniel Merriweather
74: Breathe In Breathe Out* - Mat Kearney
73: Tell Me What We're Gonna Do Now - Joss Stone feat. Common
72: The Way I Are - Timbaland feat. Keri Hilson and D.O.E.
71: Never Again - Kelly Clarkson

70: Salamat - Yeng Constantino
69: Better - Regina Spektor
68: Dreaming With A Broken Heart - John Mayer
67: Rehab - Amy Winehouse
66: What I've Done - Linkin Park
65: Can U Believe - Robin Thicke
64: 1234 - Feist
63: About You Now - Sugababes
62: Give It To Me - Timbaland feat. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake
61: Pressure Suit - Aqualung

60: Wonderful World - James Morrison
59: Lose It - Cartel
58: Say OK - Vanessa Hudgens
57: When Did Your Heart Go Missing - Rooney
56: The Good Life - Kanye West feat. T-Pain
55: With You* - Chris Brown
54: No U Hang Up - Shayne Ward
53: Colorful - Rocco DeLuca and the Burden
52: Love Today - Mika
51: Hey There Delilah - Plain White T's

50: Say This Sooner - The Almost
49: Who Knew*- P!nk
48: Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis
47: Time Won't Let Me Go - The Bravery
46: The Sweet Escape (Konvict Remix) - Gwen Stefani feat. Akon
45: Nolita Fairytale - Vanessa Carlton
44: Everything - Michael Buble
43: All Good Things (Come To An End) - Nelly Furtado
42: Light Up The Sky - Yellowcard
41: Human* - Jon McLaughlin

40: Real Girl - Mutya Buena
39: I'm Like A Lawyer... (Me & You) - Fall Out Boy
38: When You're Gone - Avril Lavigne
37: Whatever It Takes* - Lifehouse
36: Big Casino - Jimmy Eat World
35: Glamorous - Fergie
34: LoveStoned - Justin Timberlake
33: Gone* - Matt Nathanson
32: No One - Alicia Keys
31: Home - Daughtry

30: Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5
29: Pictures Of You - The Last Goodnight
28: Don't Stop The Music* - Rihanna
27: Love Song*- Sara Bareilles
26: Lost Without U - Robin Thicke
25: When It Was Me - Paula DeAnda
24: Clothes Off! - Gym Class Hereoes feat. Patrick Stump
23: Heaven On Earth* - Britney Spears
22: Hate That I Love You - Rihanna feat. Ne-Yo
21: Seven Days Of Lonely* - I Nine

20: Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne
"Hey hey, you you. I want to be your girlfriend" should become the new high school cheerleading chant for the 21st century.

19: Cupid's Chokehold - Gym Class Heroes feat. Patrick Stump
GCH frontman Travis McKoy is confident and not cocky in his ode to being hit by the love arrow in this hybrid hip-hop/rock song.

18: Patience - Take That
Rebanded as a Brit man band, Patience was all over the UK and Europe during the winter months. Citibank Hungary loves the tune, because the song was played during two separate visits to the bank!

17: Apologize - OneRepublic feat. Timbaland
Although Timbaland enhanced the song with some of his signature beats and ehs, it is Ryan Tedder's voice that carries the weight of its success.

16: The Shake (Awful Feeling) -My American Heart
Take one part Fil-Am and one part emo and it's outcome would sound something like this. The Shake was the first single off their album Hiding Inside The Horrible Weather.

15: Say It Right - Nelly Furtado
Rounding out last year's countdown at number 50, its steady success as a worldwide club and radio hit lasted well through the first quarter of the year. Thanks again to the aid of super-producer Timbaland, Furtado gained her second number one in the US.

14: Dig - Incubus
The mesmerizing guitar riff throughout the song and refreshing lyrics that boast of friendship dig the song out of what could have been a trite ode to a lover. Fortunately this is Incubus and they can never do wrong.

13: Broken Heart - Motion City Soundtrack
The first single off of the band's third album, Even If It Kills Me, has a great, catchy and cheerful chorus with a depressing subject matter of love lost. The video is seals its appeal, with an average joe dressed in a human heart costume.

12: Grace Kelly - Mika
This song was the biggest download in the UK this year and it was no surprise that it got massive airplay all across Europe during my study abroad. Singing with a flamboyant style reminiscent of a certain Queen frontman mentioned in the lyrics, masking the fun is his musical identity crisis.

11: First Time - Lifehouse
Even if you've never heard of Lifehouse, you may have heard this song on those Dodge commercials. The Jason Wade-led band who created uber-hits like "Hanging By The Moment" breaks through with a more refined singnature sound. The song hits a high with its steady beat, sonic riffs, and catchy chorus. As for its simple meaning, Wade sings of feeling like being in love for the first time.

10: So Small - Carrie Underwood
This American Idol winner just keeps churning hit after hit. After a successful debut over a year ago, So Small doesn't tinker with the effective and successful formula of the inspirational and heart-wrenching country ballad. Here, Underwood comes to the realization that certain things in life are petty.

09: Thnks Fr Th Mmrs - Fall Out Boy
Thnks t Fll t By, y cn d tw thngs: wrte txt msgs wtht th vwls nd brk p wth yr sshle byfrnd r btch grlfrnd wtht tlkng t thm! Wldn't tht b th grtst thng n th wrld?!

08: Car Crash - Matt Nathanson
One of my personal favorite musicians released his much-awaited album since 2003's Beneath These Fireworks with 2007's Some Mad Hope. Car Crash goes back to classic Nathanson rock territory. The single is an amazing sonic rush of Nathanson's comforting vocals, chill riffs, and steady drumming. The message is awesome too: wanting to live life and to be 'hit' by the next best thing.

07: Misery Business - Paramore
It's hard to imagine that Hayley Williams, the sole female of this punk band is barely 17-years-old. With her soaring and confident vocals, she commands your attention just like a seasoned pro. And it doesn't hurt that this type of song inspires the belief that you could sing from the top of your lungs...and pull the pads out of the mean girl's bra too.

06: You Give Me Something - James Morrison
What attracts me most to this song is Brit-born Morrison's soulfull and raspy voice. Add a guitar, a violin, and pleas for a relationship to work out and what you get is a dream-like, modern-day serenade. The most refreshing thing about him is his incredible live performance. Stripped down with only a guitar and sincere vocals, he can evoke the rawest of emotions.

5: The Great Escape - Boys Like Girls
Arguably one of the songs that have defined my summer of 2007, the emo-rock Boston-based frontman Martin Johnson's booming vocals and rush of guitars form a rallying call for youths to have fun and live with a carefree spirit. The second single off of their self-titled debut is certainly a song that you can't help but sing along to. I can't wait to see more of BLG in the upcoming year.

4: Big Girls Don't Cry - Fergie
Who knew Fergie could sing a song without spelling? Following the huge success of the midtempo jam by Beyonce, Fergie's own "Irreplaceable" has lyrics that sound downright juvenile ("I'll be your best friend and you'll be my Valentine") but she somehow makes it work. What also sold the song was its video which featured a faux-tatted Milo Ventimiglia, Fergie dropping panties (into a laundry basket), and talk about jacks and Uno cards, which although incomprehensible is at the same time a bit playful and flirty. And of course, that and an unavoidable and catchy tempo will stick in your head, even if you don't exactly know the words. By August, BGDC became her third number one single, cementing her solo debut The Dutchess, which has spawned five top five hits in the US.

3: Won't Go Home Without You * - Maroon 5
It is a wonder that frontman Adam Levine's voice can sound both uninspiring and evocative in this song. Not an easy thing to pull off, but in the second-coming of "She Will Be Loved", Levine pleads for a love that has gone astray with sheer aplomb. The constant riff, reminiscent of The Police's "Every Breathe You Take", and the haunting vocal help to make this song one of my favorites this past year.

2: Beautiful Disaster - Jon McLaughlin
This Indiana-born singer-songwriter is an emotional tour-de-force with this piano rock ballad about an insecure teenager who fails to see her beauty and self-worth beyond the flaws. Initially featured in the film Georgia Rule, McLaughlin's lilting voice sings: "She prays one day she'll find someone to need her". With an earnest, heartbreaking, and honest delivery, the end product is intense, lush, and beautiful.

1: UMBRELLA - Rihanna
With its inescapable global domination and provocative video, Umbrella truly was the defining song of 2007. Arguably the reigning song of the summer, its message and delivery is anything but sunshine and cheer. Rihanna vocals are intriguingly cold and her hypnotic echoes of "ella ella eh eh eh" are haunting, if not the ire of many now. When she reaches the bridge, her words turn to comfort. The subject matter becomes clearer as she confidently affirms to her lover or friend that she will offer her unconditional support even through the stormiest of times. And alas! - The brilliance of the metaphorical umbrella, protecting against the emotional rain. Brilliant hit! After releasing several top ten hits since 2005, Umbrella has become the most successful and definitely the best song to date for the Barbadian songstress. Plus you certainly couldn't avoid it anywhere, with covers by Mandy Moore, Marie Digby, Scott Simons, and remixes with Lil Mama and Chris Brown – all marks of a truly great pop song.

So, what do you think?! Do you agree with my choices? Comments are appreciated!

Let's see what 2008 brings to the world of music...including exciting changes in store. Starting next week, the Earworm Top 40 blog will become the Friss Zene!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

11.10.07

Ray's Earworm Top 40
(Week 21) For the week ending Saturday November 10, 2007

TW= this week's position
LW= last week
Δ= change
PP= peak position
WC= weeks on the chart

TW LW Δ PP WC Artist - Title (weeks at top spot)
01 03 +02 01 09 Rihanna feat. Ne-Yo - Hate That I Love You (1 week at #1)
02 02 N C 01 07 The Last Goodnight - Pictures of You (1 week at #1)
03 02 -01 02 04 Shayne Ward - No U Hang Up (1 week at #1)
04 06 +02 04 02 Britney Spears - Heaven On Earth
05 08 +03 05 03 I Nine - Seven Days Of Lonely
06 10 +04 06 04 Sugababes - About You Now
07 04 -03 01 14 Maroon 5 - Won't Go Home Without You (1 week at #1)
08 24 +16 08 03 Spice Girls - Headlines (Friendship Never Ends)
09 14 +05 09 06 Jennifer Lopez - Do It Well
10 19 +09 10 02 Mary J. Blige - Just Fine
11 07 -04 07 05 Regina Spektor - Better
12 11 -01 11 05 Pink - Who Knew
13 13 N C 01 09 Alicia Keys - No One (1 week at #1)
14 28 +14 14 11 Fergie - Clumsy
15 05 -10 05 06 OneRepublic feat. Timbaland - Apologize
16 21 +05 16 04 Matt White - Best Days
17 09 -08 06 06 Kelly Clarkson - Don't Waste Your Time
18 12 -06 01 09 Vanessa Carlton - Nolita Fairytale (1 week at #1)
19 16 -03 16 03 Mat Kearney - Breathe In Breathe Out
20 15 -05 05 16 Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music
21 DEBUT 21 01 Hot Hot Heat - Let Me In
22 17 -05 03 08 Motion City Soundtrack - Broken Heart
23 18 -05 01 11 Fall Out Boy - I'm Like A Laywer...(Me & You) (1 week at #1)
24 29 +05 24 06 Mandy Moore - Nothing That You Are
25 22 -03 01 08 James Morrison - You Give Me Something (1 week at #1)
26 25 -01 16 05 Rilo Kiley - Silver Lining
27 30 +03 18 07 Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
28 26 -02 06 07 John Mayer - Dreaming With A Broken Heart
29 23 -06 01 15 Carrie Underwood - So Small (1 week at #1)
30 36 +06 30 04 Michael Bublé - Lost
31 27 -04 21 06 Cartel - No Subject (Come With Me)
32 40 +08 01 21 Fergie - Big Girls Don't Cry (1 week at #1)
33 20 -13 07 09 Britney Spears - Gimme More
34 31 -03 03 09 Kanye West feat. T-Pain - Good Life
35 32 -03 05 10 Jimmy Eat World - Big Casino
36 33 -03 01 21 Jon McLaughlin - Beautiful Disaster (3 weeks at #1)
37 DEBUT 37 01 Keke Palmer - Keep It Movin'
38 35 -03 19 07 Joss Stone feat. Common - Tell Me What We're Gonna Do Now
39 34 -05 11 07 Nicole Scherzinger feat. Will.I.Am - Baby Love
40 38 -02 26 05 Daughtry - Over You

Bubbling Under: 41 to 45
41 41 N C 02 16 Sara Bareilles - Love Song
42 44 +02 01 16 Matt Nathanson - Car Crash (1 week at #1)
43 42 -01 05 21 Lifehouse - First Time
44 45 +01 16 11 Plain White T's - Our Time Now
45 DEBUT 45 01 Alicia Keys - I Need You

**Retired!**
Faber Drive - Tongue Tied: 11 weeks, peak - #7
Matt Nathanson - Gone: 15 weeks, peak - #1 for 1 week

Biggest Debut
Hot Hot Heat - Let Me In (debut at #21)

Biggest Jump
Spice Girls - Headlines (Friendship Never Ends) (#8, up 16 spots from #24 last week)

Biggest Decline
Britney Spears - Gimme More (#33, down 13 spots from #20 last week)

Upcoming Songs On The Bubble
James Blunt - Same Mistake
Hilary McRae - Consider Me Gone

Inaugural Countdown! - June 23, 2007

Inaugural! Earworm Top 40
(Week 1) For the week ending Saturday June 23, 2007

TW= this week's position

TW Artist - Title (weeks at top spot)

01 Rihanna - Umbrella (1 week at #1)
02 Daughtry - Home
03 Maroon 5 - Makes Me Wonder
04 Fall Out Boy - Thnks Fr Th Mmrs
05 Fergie - Big Girls Don't Cry
06 Boys Like Girls - The Great Escape
07 James Morrison - Wonderful World
08 Jon McLaughlin - Beautiful Disaster
09 Gym Class Heroes feat. Patrick Stump - Cupid's Chokehold
10 Avril Lavigne - When You're Gone
11 Ne-Yo - Because Of You
12 Enrique Iglesias - Do You Know (Ping Pong Song)
13 Paula DeAnda - When It Was Me
14 Plain White T's - Hey There Delilah
15 Carrie Underwood - Wasted
16 Gwen Stefani - 4 in the Morning
17 Michael Bublé - Everything
18 Robin Thicke - Can U Believe
19 Amy Winehouse feat. Jay-Z - Rehab (Remix)
20 Natasha Bedingfield - I Want To Have Your Babies
21 Timbaland feat. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake - Give It To Me
22 Kelly Clarkson - Never Again
23 Justin Timberlake - Summer Love
24 Rocco DeLuca and the Burden - Colorful
25 Yellowcard - Light Up The Sky
26 Lifehouse - First Time
27 Rihanna - Shut Up And Drive
28 The Almost - Say This Sooner
29 Justin Timberlake - LoveStoned
30 Yeng Constantino - Salamat
31 Linkin Park - What I've Done
32 The Bravery - Time Won't Let Me Go
33 Aly & AJ - Potential Breakup Song
34 Kelly Clarkson - Sober
35 Cartel - Lose It
36 My Chemical Romance - Famous Last Words
37 Avril Lavigne - Girlfriend
38 Elliott Yamin - Wait For You
39 Ari Hest - So Slow
40 Gym Class Heroes feat. Patrick Stump - Clothes Off!

Upcoming Songs On The Bubble
Timbaland feat. Keri Hilson & D.O.E. - The Way I Are
Lil Mama - Lip Gloss