It's that time again! I present to you my annual end-of-year post. As I have done the past several years, I am concluding 2009 with a countdown of my favorite songs of the year. These songs have helped to define 2009: personal anthems, clubbangers, you name it. It was a great year in music, and so many better songs. Oh, and those marked with "*" may have not reached their peak yet, so they have the potential of charting in 2010. Enjoy the list! The Top 99 of 2009 by @Rrrraaay 99: Black Wedding - Meg & Dia 90: Sex On Fire - Kings Of Leon 80: Kabul Shit - Lily Allen 70: TiK ToK* - Kesha 60: It's All Your Fault - P!nk 50: Until I Met You - The Sunstreak 40:I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas 30: Mad - Ne-Yo 20: Backwards - The Hoodies 19: When Love Takes Over - David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland 18: Never Leave You - Tinchy Stryder feat. Amelle Berrabah 17: Live Like We're Dying - Kris Allen 16: The Fear - Lily Allen 15: Weightless - All Time Low 14: Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo & Kanye - Knock You Down 13: Bonfire - Third Eye Blind 12: Quietdrive - Birthday 11: Bad Romance - Lady GaGa 10: Under Control - Parachute 09: Release Me - Agnes Carlsson 08: So Close, So Far - Hoobastank 07: Come On - Green River Ordinance 06: Stay - SafetySuit So, what do you think?! Do you agree with my choices? Alright. Bring on 2010.
98: Empire State Of Mind - Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys
97: Boy Meets Girl - Evan Taubenfeld
96: Welcome To Wherever You Are - Ten Second Epic
95: Come Back To Me - David Cook
94: We Are Golden - Mika
93: Her Words Destroyed By Planet* - Motion City Soundtrack
92: Outta Here - Esmee Denters
91: Save You - Simple Plan
89: Friday I'll Be Over You - Allison Iraheta
88: For Always, Forever - Every Avenue
87: New Perspective - Panic! At The Disco
86: Welcome To The World - Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Kudi
85: Waking Up In Vegas - Katy Perry
84: Anywhere But Here - Mayday Parade
83: Haven't Met You Yet - Michael Buble
82: Free - Valencia
81: Here Standing* - The Saturdays
79: Blame It On The Changes - Dashboard Confessional
78: Good To You* - Marianas Trench feat. Kate Voegele
77: Lucky - Jason Mraz feat. Colbie Caillat
76: Bulletproof - La Roux
75: Battlefield - Jordin Sparks
74: Story - Maroon 5
73: Learning* - Green River Ordinance
72: Fire Bomb* - Rihanna
71: I Don't Believe You - P!nk
69: Get To You - James Morrison
68: Run, Don't Walk - Hey Monday
67: Heartbreak On Vinyl - Blake Lewis
66: America's Suitehearts - Fall Out Boy
65: A Little Faster - There For Tomorrow
64: Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart* - Alicia Keys
63: It's Only Natural - The Higher
62: Telephone* - Lady GaGa feat. Beyonce
61: Acadia - Marianas Trench
59: Part Of The List - Ne-Yo
58: Happy - Leona Lewis
57: I Wanna - The All-American Rejects
56: Saviour - Lights
55: Show Me What You're Looking For - Carolina Liar
54: Getaway - Holiday Parade
53: Broken - Lifehouse
52: In-N-Out (Animal Style)* - We The Kings
51: Come Back When You Can - Barcelona
49: I Do Not Hook Up - Kelly Clarkson
48: Confusion Girl - Frankmusik feat. Tinchy Stryder
47: Love Drunk - Boys Like Girls
46: Heaven Can Wait - We The Kings
45: Whatcha Say - Jason Derulo feat. Imogen Heap
44: Halo - Beyonce
43: Thinking Of You - Katy Perry
42: Art Of Love - Guy Sebastian feat. Jordin Sparks
41: Outta My Head* - Leona Lewis
39: You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift
38: Everything - The Veronicas
37: Carry On - Valencia
36: Doesn't Mean Anything - Alicia Keys
35: Broken Strings - James Morrison feat. Nelly Furtado
34: All The Right Moves - OneRepublic
33: Fireflies - Owl City
32: I Got You* - Leona Lewis
31: Looking Up* - Paramore
29: Insomnia - Craig David
28: Out Of My Hands - Green River Ordinance
27: Waves - A Bird A Sparrow
26: Unwound - The Real You
25: You Found Me - The Fray
24: Closer To Love - Mat Kearney
23: Down - Jay Sean feat. Lil Wayne
22: Hey, Soul Sister - Train
21: Losin' It - Fallbrooke
Great song by a little-known, indie pop-punk band from Rochester, New York. This one's a perfect anthem to accompany ringing in the new year.
A Destiny's Child alum gets her breakthrough with this Europop romp spearheaded by French DJ and producer David Guetta.
A hit collabo by a Sugababe and an English rapper - Stryder brings a distinct rap performance while Amelle contributes her beautiful voice to the instantly memorable chorus. You may not have discovered this hip-pop gem stateside yet, and do it now.
This past year's AI winner debuts with a song by The Script but improves upon the original with an inspired and strongest vocal delivery yet by Allen. Song has huge crossover potential, enough to satisfy the wide audience (i.e. Christian, folk, acoustic rock fans, teenyboppers) who voted for him.
Allen's sophomore album It's Not Me, It's You is chock full of amazing ditties, including its lead single, in which she marries ironic, brutally honest lyrics about the pitfalls of fame and fortune, with a dreamy, electronic beat. 
Preceding the release of their sophomore disc Nothing Personal, Weightless heralded an excitement by the pop-punk community as a positive sign of things to come. Coming of age angst? Check. Bombastic vocals? Check. A sing-a-long anthemic chorus? Check. All that, with a hopeful outlook for the future.
Talk about a super collaboration between two of R&B's popular artists and --and until this past year's MTV Video Music Awards-- hip hop's go-to rapper. After being featured as a guest artist or songwriter for past hits, Hilson finally gets to keep one for herself. The beat is hypnotizing.
There's always that one song off of every album that I obsess over: "Blinded" off Out of the Vein and now "Bonfire", the second single off of Ursa Major, the much-awaited return album from San Francisco-based Third Eye Blind. Much like their previous work, the songs touches upon a bit of '90s nostalgia, packaged as a cool, more laid-back track but it still channels the distinct 3EB sound.
Although not officially released as a single, the song is one of the standouts in their indie 2008 release Deliverance. Birthday packs a power-pop punch courtesy the amazing vocal drive of lead singer Kevin Truckenmiller. Regardless of what the haters say, this is an example of what the band does best: write catchy as heck songs, this time with searing, kiss-off lyrics about forgetting your girlfriend's birthday because you were piss-ass drunk. Brilliant!
Love her or hate her, she undeniably leaves a memorable impression on you. That said, Bad Romance is all kinds of bizarre. Judging from the dark, subversive beat and a head-scratching melodic opening line, this had the potential to be disastrous. But never underestimate the hit-maker, as it ultimately works in her favor. What is even more impressive is how it seems to even top itself with several memorable footstomping hooks.
Who knew you could fall in aural lust w/ a tune from a commercial? It happened with this band with this tune (original album version!) off of a Nivea ad -- an interesting, but fitting marketing strategy for the up-and-coming band from Virginia who aims for mainstream success. Aside from the bouncing piano throughout the song, the vocals of blue-eyed soul frontman Will Anderson help hit home the song's earnest, wistful lyrics of love from a far.
Sweden's most recent pop export came in the form of one of their past Idol winners. Agnes has received wider acclaim for her album Dance Love Pop and breakthrough hit. Apart from the frenetic energy of the techno beat, it is the elegance of a string section that adds another dimension to the song. It broke out this past summer all over Europe and had light success in the USA. The kids are missing out on this Leona doppelganger. The club-banger of 2009.
According to my last.fm playlist, this is my most-played song of 2009. That sounds about right. It is Doug Robb's impassioned voice that sells this power ballad about being away from the ones you love. Hoobastank is one of many underrated bands out there.
As you can probably tell, I am a huge fan of melodic, anthemic, big arena rock. So it wasn't that big of a shocker that I instantly became attached to GRO's major label debut Out of My Hands, a collection of the most catchy pop-rock with melodies that swell and lyrics that break your heart. Come On is one of the highlights, and features the amazing lead vox of Josh Jenkins -- whose voice reminds me of a more refined Dan Layus of Augustana. I wouldn't be surprised if they amass a huge following in 2010.
This is one of those rock songs that simply works because of its great melody and a powerful, moving chorus. A single off their latest A Life Left To Live, the constant guitar riff also helps to create an almost a subterranean feel, which I guess is appropriate, given their cover art portrays the quartet under water. Also, the accompanying video was a mainstay on VH1 for good reason. Lead singer Doug Brown plays an undercover cop who becomes the love interest of a runaway robber, of whom he is in pursuit. 
5: SOMEDAY - Rob Thomas
The great thing about Rob Thomas is his craftsmanship in penning a song with a purpose, whether pop or rock, solo or his band Matchbox 20, political statement or life observation. For Someday, off his second solo disc Cradlesong, it is an optimistic message that is sent to the listener. At certain points, you feel like it is time for the waterworks. At others, you want to smile because his words are comforting, hopeful, especially at the chorus, although simple, hits right at the core of it: that someday soon things will get better. Thank you, Mr. Thomas, for giving me a cathartic 4:08.
4: MY LIFE WOULD SUCK WITHOUT YOU - Kelly Clarkson
If there would be one female to break up the all-male band party, it would deservedly be this chick. Clarkson's mainstream comeback single has an the ingredients for a bonafide hit: a catchy tempo courtesy Dr. Luke and Max Martin, a stick-to-your brain, sing-a-long chorus, the instant recognition that American Idol fame brings, and a brow-raising song title.
3: ALL TO MYSELF - Marianas Trench
I am bestowing the honor of Best pop-punk album of 2009 to a band little-known to people living below the 49th parallel. Vancouver-based Marianas Trench, led by Josh Ramsay, is the next-new thing in Canadian pop-punk, an heir apparent to Simple Plan and Sum 41 (not that they were ever gone, all's I'm saying), when listening to their disc Masterpiece Theatre. Every single song on the album is a great piece of pop-punk art, and the grand finale, a true fit to its namesake. Every song is so well-crated, from the deep slower ballads, to catchy-as-fuck songs like All To Myself, where Ramsay's falsetto shines in the chorus. 
2: USE SOMEBODY - Kings of Leon
Epic. Kings of Leon finally got the recognition they righly deserved in 2009, after making the leap stateside from their popularity in Britain. Which is rather odd, because KOL is an American band from Tennessee, who first found success abroad rather than at home. Their breakout hit from Only By Night opens with the haunting but memorable "Whoa, ooh" wail that instantly sets the song's mood. Next frontman Caleb Followill gritty/soulful/southern rock voice adds a intimate dimension to the song. Add the guitar riffs by the rest of the Followill clan and you can really feel Caleb's pain. This song was heard everywhere, covered by Paramore and Kelly Clarkson and even used during the Victoria's Secret fashion show. Who knew an apology to his band members would result in such a massive hit?
1: WHERE DID YOU GO - Valencia
Valencia's voice via frontman Shane Henderson is all at once, heartbreaking and exuberant. As a result of the tragic death of Henderson's girlfriend in a car accident, many of the songs off of Valencia's major label debut on Columbia Records, We All Need A Reason To Believe, deal with the major stages of grief, loss, and in this standout track, acceptance. Although taken face-value, Valencia may be one of the many pop-punk bands in the scene, one needs to really give a listen to their music to realize they are truly a cut above their counterparts largely due to a depth and maturity shown in their lyrical content. They also manage to manneuver through would-be depressing subject matter with refreshing bits of optimism, especially with Henderson's voice during the bridge and the instantly memorable chorus. Let's not forget the amazing drumming by Max Soria, crunching guitars courtesy JD Perry and Brendan Walter, and bass via George Ciukurescu. The quintet has created an amazing song. Beyond moved every time I listen to it. Where Did You Go - my favorite of 2009.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
99 songs of '09 - Year-end countdown
Friday, January 16, 2009
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 70: Somebody's Gonna Miss Us - The Starting Line 60: Circus* - Britney Spears 50: Northern Downpour* - Panic At The Disco 40: Fall For You - Secondhand Serenade 30: Little Miss Obsessive - Ashlee Simpson feat. Tom Higgenson 20: Hero/Heroine - Boys Like Girls 19: February Air - Lights 18: Better In Time - Leona Lewis 17: I'm Not Over - Carolina Liar 16: Deliverance - Quietdrive 15: Sweet And Low - Augustana 14: Change For You - The Midway State 13: It Had To Be You - Motion City Soundtrack 12: Take A Bow - Rihanna 11: Beautiful World - Carolina Liar 10: Stop And Stare - OneRepublic 09: Whatever It Takes - Lifehouse 08: Crush - David Archuleta 07: Live Your Life - T.I. feat. Rihanna 06: The Time Of My Life - David Cook So, what do you think?! Do you agree with my choices? Comments are appreciated! Bring on 2009.
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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".
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.
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...
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.
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. 
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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
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.
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).
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.
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
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.
Monday, December 31, 2007
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 70: Salamat - Yeng Constantino 60: Wonderful World - James Morrison 50: Say This Sooner - The Almost 40: Real Girl - Mutya Buena 30: Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5 20: Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne 19: Cupid's Chokehold - Gym Class Heroes feat. Patrick Stump 18: Patience - Take That 17: Apologize - OneRepublic feat. Timbaland 16: The Shake (Awful Feeling) -My American Heart 15: Say It Right - Nelly Furtado 14: Dig - Incubus 13: Broken Heart - Motion City Soundtrack 12: Grace Kelly - Mika 11: First Time - Lifehouse 10: So Small - Carrie Underwood 09: Thnks Fr Th Mmrs - Fall Out Boy 08: Car Crash - Matt Nathanson 07: Misery Business - Paramore 06: You Give Me Something - James Morrison 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! 
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
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
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
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
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
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
"Hey hey, you you. I want to be your girlfriend" should become the new high school cheerleading chant for the 21st century.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?!
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.
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.
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.
