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
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Top 25 Playlist for Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Friss Zene Top for the week ending on Tuesday, 06.09.09
Who is Agnes Carlsson and what is she doing at #1?! What can I say? Sweden is poppin' and this song is pure love at first listen...
01. Agnes Carlsson - Release Me (DEBUT) (#1 for 1 week)
02. Quietdrive - Birthday (#1 for 2 weeks)
03. Fallbrooke - Losin' It
04. David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland - When Love Takes Over
05. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far (#1 for 2 weeks)
06. Jordin Sparks - Battlefield (#1 for 1 week)
07. Parachute - Under Control (#1 for 1 week)
08. There For Tomorrow - A Little Faster (DEBUT)
09. Adam Lambert - No Boundaries
10. The Real You - Unwound
11. Lesley Roy - Slow Goodbye
12. All Time Low - Weightless
13. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For
14. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
15. James Morrison - Please Don't Stop The Rain
16. SafetySuit - Stay (DEBUT)
17. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
18. Hey Monday - Run, Don't Walk
19. Esmée Denters - Outta Here (DEBUT)
20. Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West - Knock You Down
21. The White Tie Affair - If I Fall
22. Daughtry - No Surprise
23. Mat Kearney - Closer To Love
24. Kris Allen - No Boundaries
25. The Higher - It's Only Natural (DEBUT)
None!
So close, yet so far
The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
Ne-Yo - Part Of The List
Meg & Dia - Black Wedding
Allison Iraheta - Cry Baby
Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The WorldCheck back next week for the next top 25 playlist
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Fresh Songs: Cobra Starship, Esmée Denters, Fallbrooke, Mandy Moore, David Guetta & Kelly Rowland
Quick reviews of some fresh songs for this week...
Cobra Starship (feat. Leighton Meester) - Good Girls Go Bad: The poster boys (and girl) of hipster pop/rock in the Fueled By Ramen family are back to the scene. In preparation for the end-of-summer (August) drop of their new album Hot Mess, they are serving up a slice of sweet electro-pop pie with the help of Gossip Girl actress Leighton Meester that is far from being a disaster. Who knew Blair Waldorf could sing and play the role of pop star well? Cobra's fearless leader Gabe Sapporta sounds reliably good as well. The song was apparently produced by Kara DioGuardi
Esmée Denters - Outta Here: It's quite inspiring to see someone's dream finally develop and become realized. It did for one young and beautiful Dutch singer who was one of those video recording singers on YouTube that suddenly became one of the most popular users on the site. It was Esmée's soulful renditions of modern pop songs impressed many, including a certain Justin Timberlake who 'discovered' and signed her to a development deal as his label's new star-protegé. Her album and first single of the same name, "Outta Here" dropped in her native The Netherlands and the soon will soon impact on Top 40/R&B radio in the US.
Fallbrooke - Losin' It: This South Florida-based band is the epitome of freshness as they recently dropped their latest eponymously-titled debut album on iTunes and Amazon. The first single for the song "Losin' It" is a catchy song about the very current issue of falling in love with someone over the Internet. The band's lead vocalist Eric McNeely brings an energy matched with the band's power pop sound. I have not listened to the rest of their material yet, but if this song is any indication, I will name myself a fan.
Mandy Moore - I Can Break Your Heart Any Day Of The Week: I remember Mandy Moore as being a part of the original quartet of pop princesses who emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, she later denounced her earlier work and reinvented herself as an organic singer-songwriter. In the vein of her new direction is her latest, a retro-sounding and clapworthy track off her freshest LP, Amanda Leigh. In the accompanying music video, Mandy shows Ultimate Fighting champ Chuck Liddell who's got the bigger....
David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland - When Love Takes Over: I am consistently amazed at the works of French DJ David Guetta as he expertly crafts pop songs backed by House/electro/Euro dance sounds. He is already a well-known name in Europe and the rest of the world, however he aims to break into the US with a new disc out in August and this surefire summer hit, in which he enlists former Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland in a song of epic proportions. Her voice, arguably her strongest, soars through the ridiculous production. I wouldn't be surprised if she releases a full album of dance-pop. Amazing.
Top 25 Playlist for Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Friss Zene Top for the week ending on Wednesday, 06.02.09
Go Quietdrive, it's your "Birthday". I just had to...
01. Quietdrive - Birthday (#1 for 2 weeks)
02. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far (#1 for 2 weeks)
03. David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland - When Love Takes Over
04. Jordin Sparks - Battlefield (#1 for 1 week)
05. Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West - Knock You Down
06. All Time Low - Weightless
07. Parachute - Under Control (#1 for 1 week)
08. Adam Lambert - No Boundaries (DEBUT)
09. The Real You - Unwound
10. Fallbrooke - Losin' It
11. Kris Allen - No Boundaries
12. The White Tie Affair - If I Fall
13. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
14. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
15. Mat Kearney - Closer To Love
16. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For
17. Ne-Yo - Part Of The List
18. James Morrison - Please Don't Stop The Rain
19. Meg & Dia - Black Wedding
20. Daughtry - No Surprise
21. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
22. Hey Monday - Run, Don't Walk (DEBUT)
23. Lesley Roy - Slow Goodbye (DEBUT)
24. Allison Iraheta - Cry Baby
25. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
None!
So close, yet so far
Allison Iraheta feat. Cyndi Lauper - Time After Time
David Cook - Come Back To Me
Taylor Swift - You Belong To MeCheck back next week for the next top 25 playlist
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Top 25 Playlist for Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Friss Zene Top for the week ending on Wednesday, 05.27.09
Although Quietdrive is still working hard to promote their new music on their tours, their latest album Deliverance hasn't been given the promotional push it truly deserves. It is quite a shame as the songs exemplify the best of today's pop-punk and power pop IMO. One of those gems is this week's #1 song, "Birthday".
01. Quietdrive - Birthday (#1 for 1 week)
02. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far (#1 for 2 weeks)
03. The Real You - Unwound
04. Parachute - Under Control (#1 for 1 week)
05. Allison Iraheta - Cry Baby
06. All Time Low - Weightless
07. Jordin Sparks - Battlefield (#1 for 1 week)
08. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For
09. Kris Allen - No Boundaries (DEBUT)
10. Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West - Knock You Down
11. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
12. James Morrison - Please Don't Stop The Rain
13. David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland - When Love Takes Over (DEBUT)
14. Ne-Yo - Part Of The List
15. Daughtry - No Surprise
16. The White Tie Affair - If I Fall
17. Mat Kearney - Closer To Love
18. Meg & Dia - Black Wedding
19. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
20. Allison Iraheta feat. Cyndi Lauper - Time After Time (DEBUT)
21. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
22. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
23. David Cook - Come Back To Me
24. Taylor Swift - You Belong To Me (DEBUT)
25. Fallbrooke - Losin' It (DEBUT)
Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (#1 song for 1 week)
So close, yet so far
Carrie Underwood - Home Sweet Home
Kris Allen - Heartless
Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
Jessie James - WantedCheck back next week for the next top 25 playlist
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Kris is the Idol, Adam still wins, and Allison is a star!
My favorite moment of the finale was not Kris Allen's reaction to winning the title of American Idol (though it was one heck of a moment), but Allison Iraheta's subdued, yet powerful, performance duet of "Time After Time" with pop icon Cyndi Lauper, proving what a great performer and singer she is, and how great a finale it would have been had she been in the final two. Oh what could have been. I cannot wait until she finally releases her original music. I am certain she is bound to be a pop-rock icon, herself. Other hi-lites of the night: And as for the runner-up, I have to say that I really do like Adam. Watching the finale back, it did cement my understanding of why he belonged in the final two. He is arguably is the best performer to come away from the show, came off as a very confident and seasoned pro (perhaps too seasoned), and left indelible images after every performance -- from his hair, facial expressions, outrageous fashions, and ridiculously impressive vocal range. Ultimately, I truly think Adam is better off without the constraints of the Idol contract. This non-win will enable him to do more things without the scrutiny the job title entails. I know his supporters may be very disappointed and angry at the outcome, and I certainly won't blame them for it, but we all know Adam will come out of this with tons of success. He already is an Idol. I may have been a bit critical of him in the previous post, but he still intrigues me. Perhaps if the judges hadn't praised him so darn much and all but bestowed the title all season long, I would have been squarely in his corner, too...but if it is one thing that America proved to be true last night, it is that it hates being told how to think and who to vote for. Let this be a lesson to the producers and judges for next year: showcase all serious contenders from the beginning, drop the fillers, and let the country do its thing. Winning Moment:- Kris & Adam Lambert's performance of "We Are The Champions" with the remaining members of Queen.
...and lo-lites...
- Mr. A-Z, Jason Mraz, sans the creepster goatee.
- Idol predecessor David Cook's performance of "Permanent" as a tribute to his late brother Adam. Amazing.
- Finally airing Kris's audition video, which was four months long overdue, ya think?!
- In the audience, Carrie Underwood, looked very pretty in pink.
- Adam's goth-industrial-winged-whatever get-up during his performance with KISS
- "The winner of American Idol 2009 is Kris Allen!" - Judge Kara DioGuardi, in a boost of her ego, attempted to one-up some no-talent bikini bimbo in a Mariah sing-off.
- "No Boundaries", although Kris sang this better the second time around ;)
- Rod Stewart, who I do not think he is sexy, nor do the rest of America.
- The fact that top 5 finalist Matt Giraud was never given the chance to sing a duet with a star, yet Megan Joy and Michael Sarver, of all people, got to do one (with Steve Martin...WTF)
- Kris apologizing for winning. (Dude, I know no one in Idol-land wanted expected you to win, but live it up. You represent the best of America's undiscovered talent and was bestowed the most-fitting title.)
Video: MJ's Big Blog; Photos: AP, Ray Mickshaw
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Why Kris Allen will win American Idol
To me, Kris Allen is the American Idol and he has my vote for the following reasons: I love rooting for the underdog. In the duel of Kris v. Adam Lambert, it is pretty evident that the title is Adam's to lose. He was annointed TCO (a.k.a. "the Chosen One") by the production early in the season, after receiving the gift of a back story (They wanted you to know he was the 'theatrical' guy from the cast of Wicked who wore guy liner and had the emo hair) with ample airtime during the audition rounds. Adam had the judging panel, early fans, and production on his side (smoke! lighting! angles! song choices!), and the media obsessed over his private life and what significance that meant in respect to winning the competition. On the other corner of the ring, Kris Allen is representative of the shocker finalist. He was pretty much cast aside as fodder because he was never portrayed to be a serious contender to win, compared to the likes of Adam and Danny Gokey, whom were the predestined final two. Editing-wise, the audience never got to watch Kris's first audition. We seldom heard a peep from him, save a group performance during the Hollywood rounds and Top 36 semifinals. This Of past Idol winners, only Kelly Clarkson received similar treatment her season, and she was only able to survive the early disadvantage by building a fan base based solely on her talent and only later in the season, we finally got to know her as the youthful, go-with-the-flow girl from Texas, which favored her in terms of likability and relateability -- two things that does an American Idol make. Luckily for Kris, his silent ascent in the competition was attributed to a number of things I will touch upon later, and his win tonight may cement the parallels I see with Kelly. A darkhorse win would be a big F.U. to the producers who've never favored him to win. His would serve as sweet, poetic justice for the remaining finalists (including Allison Iraheta, who would have won deservedly in another year) who had to fight extra hard to overcome the disadvantage of less screen time and questionable critiques this year. As a matter of personal taste, I love the sound of Kris's voice. As everyone knows, the winner becomes a recording artist and sell their music. As a potential buyer, I would purchase Kris's album because he has demonstrated what kind of artist and music he would release, namely his distinctly acoustic pop-soul sound and vocal interpretation on tracks such as Once's "Falling Slowly", OneRepublic's "Apologize" and Kanye West's "Heartless". Although Adam wins on showmanship, I have a vague idea of what he wants to bring forth on a record. And to be quite frank, I cannot see Adam's vocal gymnastics translate well onto a record. Kris is likable. He was never the victim of some personality misstep, or involved in any controversy this season, which would preclude him from winning. His appeal as a God-fearing Mama's boy from Arkansas has proven successful for past winners (The pride of Checotah, Oklahoma Carrie Underwood! Burleson, Texas' home girl, Kelly Clarkson!) In terms of image, Kris looks like an Idol. What I observed in him was that he seems unfazed by the competition, despite his growing popularit, and has remained very true to himself, which I respect as a voter. Because these people are thrusted into the public spotlight very quickly, I have little doubt Kris will continue to be a genuinely humble dude after he wins. Kris is able to connect with you. In terms of his music, he has the ability to create and maintain a deep, emotional connection with the listener. His ability to play multiple instruments this season (acoustic guitar and piano/keyboard) further enhanced this connection. With Adam, there is often a disconnect when he sings and I never feel the same melodic, heart-on-sleeve attitude as I do with Kris. Take last night's coronation song round, which both had to sing the not-so-subtle blatant producer manipulation has infuritated me all season. terribly good amazingly bad Kara DioGuardi tune "No Boundaries" -- although Kris's voice is very different from Adam's and struggled with the higher notes the song called for, I believed and was sold on his version. The lyric of "Here I am, still holding on...with every step, you climb another mountain " also fits well with Kris's uphill battle this entire season. His win would be an inspirational one.
The Kris v. Adam finale is a very appropriate summation of the season: the heavily pimped favorite versus the previously unseen and unheard darkhorse. I wouldn't be terribly upset if the other guy won, since it would also be a groundbreaking win. But I do hope the confetti will fall on the better artist tonight.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Top 25 Playlist for Monday, May 18, 2009
Friss Zene Top for the week ending on Monday, 05.18.09
Another week, another debut song goes straight to the top. Jordin Sparks rips into her newest signature song with vigor. Ah, the power of Idol and a good pop song courtesy of Ryan Tedder.
01. Jordin Sparks - Battlefield (#1 for 1 week) (DEBUT)
02. Parachute - Under Control (#1 for 1 week)
03. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far (#1 for 2 weeks)
04. Quietdrive - Birthday
05. Allison Iraheta - Cry Baby
06. All Time Low - Weightless
07. The Real You - Unwound
08. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
09. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For
10. Carrie Underwood - Home Sweet Home
11. Kris Allen - Heartless (DEBUT)
12. Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West - Knock You Down
13. James Morrison - Please Don't Stop The Rain (DEBUT)
14. Ne-Yo - Part Of The List
15. Daughtry - No Surprise
16. The White Tie Affair - If I Fall (DEBUT)
17. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
18. Meg & Dia - Black Wedding
19. Mat Kearney - Closer To Love
20. Jessie James - Wanted
21. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
22. David Cook - Come Back To Me
23. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
24. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
25. Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (#1 for 1 week)
The White Tie Affair - Candle (Sick And Tired) (#1 song for 1 week)
So close, yet so far
Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits
Akon feat. Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful
The All-American Rejects - The Wind BlowsCheck back next week for the next top 25 playlist
Love At First Listen - Parachute's "Under Control" & Jordin Sparks's "Battlefield"
Is Will Anderson the doppelganger of Panic At The Disco's Brendon Urie??
Parachute - Under Control: I anticipate the moment I discover a fresh new band by a slight moment of chance I happen to catch something by ear. This time, I give the credit to Nivea, for allowing a band called Parachute and a few seconds of the first verse of the song "Under Control" to be featured in one of their commercials, for whatever they were trying to sell. What stuck with me were those few lines by a soulful rock voice, accompanied by a simple, repetitive piano melody that instantly clicked with me. I later found out that soulful croon belonged to lead singer Will Anderson, who helped to slowly build the song up to a powerful mid-section of soulful backing vocals echoing and emphasizing parts of the ultra-catchy chorus.
Parachute is a Virginia-based band that has gone through a bit of a reincarnation. They began as Sparky's Flaw, then recently Parachute VA, later dropping the VA for legal reasons. Their major label debut Losing Sleep was recently released on iTunes and will physically hit stores tomorrow(5/19). To me, their sound is reminiscent of early Maroon 5, although Will's vocals are a lot less whiny and their songs sound more earnest than egotistical. I love the fact that they are embracing the aim to appeal to a wider mainstream audience through melody, and this song is a prime example of the kind of music that resonates with many, including myself. **Potential Song of 2009 Contender**
Jordin debuts her latest on the Idol results show last week
Jordin Sparks - Battlefield: The American Idol 2007 winner is back to the fray with her fresh lead single off her yet-unnamed sophomore album due out later this summer. The song is pretty much epic, from the bombastic drumbeats that provide the support throughout the song to Jordin's exasperating, nonetheless cliche, message about love equated with a war zone. It's catchy as heck, with memorable lines like "You better go and get your armor" that can be amusingly misheard as "you better get your drama".
Written by the 'it' songwriter of the moment Ryan Tedder, his signature style is pretty evident on this track and it tailor-made to be embraced by radio. Moments of the song remind me of the haunting vocal of Rihanna's "Umbrella" which was a hit two summers ago. And dare I say this song may very well garner the same distinction as this year's summer jam.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Top 25 Playlist for Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Friss Zene Top for the week ending on Wednesday, 05.13.09
This week's freshest debut is also my favorite song of the week. Gals and gents, meet Parachute!
01. Parachute - Under Control (#1 for 1 week) (DEBUT)
02. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far (#1 for 2 weeks)
03. Allison Iraheta - Cry Baby (DEBUT)
04. Quietdrive - Birthday
05. Carrie Underwood - Home Sweet Home
06. All Time Low - Weightless
07. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
08. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For
09. Daughtry - No Surprise (DEBUT)
10. Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West - Knock You Down
11. Meg & Dia - Black Wedding
12. Ne-Yo - Part Of The List
13. Jessie James - Wanted
14. Mat Kearney - Closer To Love
15. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
16. Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits
17. Akon feat. Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful
18. The Real You - Unwound
19. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
20. Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (#1 for 1 week)
21. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
22. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
23. The White Tie Affair - Candle (Sick And Tired) (#1 for 1 week)
24. The All-American Rejects - The Wind Blows (DEBUT)
25. David Cook - Come Back To Me
Ne-Yo - Mad (#1 song for 1 week)
So close, yet so far
Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire
Kelly Clarkson - Don't Let Me Stop You (#1 for 1 week)
P!nk - Please Don't Leave Me
Monday, May 11, 2009
Allison Iraheta is the American Idol who never was
Although I have had thoughts of abandoning this season's Idol over my utter frustration of a majority of the selected 'singers' in this year's competition, what remained was a hope that a legitimate, undiscovered singing talent will ultimately win the crown at the behest of the nation. There were a few I thought stood a chance, namely Matt Giraud, whose remarkably soulful voice is superior in a recording studio track, and Allison Iraheta, a 17-year-old red-haired, Salvadoran-American teenage wunderkind who notably sang with a distinctly raspy rock voice. I grew to root for the latter throughout the competition, since I have an instant affinity toward female rock voices (Hayley Williams, Cassadee Pope, P!nk) and felt the show was long overdue for a legitimately female rocker to complement last year's Idol David Cook. Heck, the original Idol Kelly Clarkson declared her favorite as Allison, as well, whom she has been favorably compared with. It did, however, seem like an incredibly uphill battle for Allison as she seemed to do nearly everything right as a singer and performer, but never got the full support and recognition from the judges that she truly deserved. It was a disservice of sorts when it was clear that the judges had a vendeta against her. On Tuesday night, the day before she was eliminated from contention, her amazing performance of Janis Joplin's "Cry Baby" during rock week, of all weeks, was leaps and bounds ahead of remaining finalist Danny Gokey and yet, the judges denied her the credit she deserved, tainting their glowing reviews with subtle negative critiques which consequently impacted America's vote, as the nation decided to keep Danny, the mediocre blue-eyed soul singer, rather than a talent with tons of untapped potential.
Allison was a refreshing change for most Idol teenagers. She actually displayed a genuinely fun (read: goofy/quirky), optimistic personality who never saw winning as life or death. She was the kind of girl to run at the mouth, but never to the point of being obscene (a spitfire of sorts). Allison was a bit raw, but so are most 17-year olds. She was never a prim & proper girl like Jordin Sparks, although I admit to hoping Allison's fate would parallel Jordin's. I was also hoping for an Adam Lambert/Allison Iraheta finale, a would-be battle between the season's rock vocalists, which would match the excitement of last year's "David Vs. David" match-up, but she was denied the chance to be this year's David Archuleta.
I should also note that of the four remaining finalists, Allison never given a favorable producer edit, which upsets me because it creates an unfair disadvantage for these contestants who have little, to no no exposure to the viewing public, which is necessary to create a fan base. (Kris is the other one. TPTB have envisoned a Danny/Adam finale). Luckily, Allison's amazing vocals were rewarded by the nation, even though she was predestined to not be the Idol. And her fourth place finish is a testament to it.
On the bright side, Allison will not be constrained by the notorious Idol contract and will have more control over the direction of her career. And perhaps it is best that she mature and grow into her adult voice, experience more of life, get a makeover, and come back even more powerful as the acclaimed artist most fans and critics envision her to eventually be. It is given that she will receive a record deal and a matter of time before she reaches the success of Chris Daughtry and becomes the most successful participant of the season. Sorry, Adam! (Although I would gladly welcome it, as a historic pop culture moment, but I digress ;).
As a viewer, I did find myself emotionally invested in rooting for Allison (as I did with Ricky Braddy and Joanna Pacitti), and was rather heartbroken, and then I realized how ridiculous it was to get so involved in a trivial thing like a reality show. The entire season really was an insult to my intelligence and a test of most of the country's (lack of) musical taste. But then again, I subconsciously wanted her to do well, just so I can hear her on the radio and play her music. Is that asking too much?
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Top 25 Playlist for Sunday, May 3, 2009
Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Sunday, 05.03.09
Hoobastank's "So Close, So Far" is one of my favorite power ballads of 2009, so far!
(Note this week's video strip theme: they're all half-Asian)
01. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far (#1 for 2 weeks)
02. All Time Low - Weightless
03. Meg & Dia - Black Wedding
04. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
05. Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West - Knock You Down
06. Mat Kearney - Closer To Love
07. Jessie James - Wanted
08. Ne-Yo - Part Of The List (DEBUT)
09. Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits
10. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For
11. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
12. Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (#1 for 1 week)
13. Akon feat. Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful
14. The Real You - Unwound
15. Quietdrive - Birthday (DEBUT)
16. Ne-Yo - Mad (#1 for 1 week)
17. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
18. Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire
19. Carrie Underwood - Home Sweet Home (DEBUT)
20. The White Tie Affair - Candle (Sick And Tired) (#1 for 1 week)
21. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
22. David Cook - Come Back To Me
23. Kelly Clarkson - Don't Let Me Stop You (#1 for 1 week)
24. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
25. P!nk - Please Don't Leave Me
None this week!
So close, yet so far
Matt Giraud - You Found Me
The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved
Holiday Parade - Getaway
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Fresh Songs: New Meg & Dia, Mat Kearney, and Jessie James
Quick reviews of some fresh pop-rock songs for this week...
Meg & Dia - Black Wedding: I gotta admit that I am not really a fan of Meg & Dia. Of sister-singing duos, I prefer the electropop-rock of The Veronicas and indie rockers Tegan & Sara. That said, I was rather surprised that I reacted very positively to their newest song and latest single off their just released Here, Here, and Here. The song is upbeat pop rock, the kind that will stick after multiple plays. The girly gravel in the half-Korean Frampton sisters works well with the song's sense of urgency. Gotta love the guitar riffs.
Mat Kearney - Closer To Love: I've been waiting for the follow-up to the earnest Nothing Left To Lose, and thankfully this one's a keeper. I love the interesting drumbeat that is consistent throughout the song, intertwined with the same simple piano notes and Mat's wistful and sweet vocal. Love song of 2009 nominee? His album City Of Black & White drops May 19.
Jessie James - Wanted: I see that this girl may be billed to be country's next big thing. However, her debut song is straight-up pop, with hints of rock and a little country twang. Nonetheless, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter who co-penned this with Kara DioGuardi powers through this very catchy anthem. If radio embraces this, like it is meant to, Jessie will truly be the second-coming of Shania Twain. Check out her video with Erik Von Detten who attempts to pursue her like the outlaw who shares her similar namesake.
Fresh Video - Kelly Clarkson's "I Do Not Hook Up"
First off, I dig this song. Kelly Clarkson has taken a great demo by Katy Perry (her version was originally titled "Hook Up" and contained the line "Keep your thing in your pants and your heart on your sleeve"), enhanced it with her vocals and the help of the pop-rock production gleen of Howard Benson and made it her own. And for this potentially huge summer hit, Kelly gets to show off her sense of humor for second single off All I Ever Wanted, "I Do Not Hook Up". The video starts at a bougie brunch or function of some sort. A virtuous-looking Kelly eyes the waiter who is serving champagne and in her fantasy, she removes her conservative-looking sweater, revealing a red cocktail dress, agressively throws him onto the table, gets on top of him, and kisses him. The terrifying looks on the guests' faces were LOL-funny. In the second fantasy, Kelly is having a girls night-out at the bar and eyes a guy across the room who is playing pool. In fantasy mode, she gets into heavier drinking, plops on top of the table and at this point the video becomes a scene right out of Coyote Ugly. Another LOL-moment is when she slips off the table and falls into the bar with everyone in shock. In her graceful recovery, she gets on her feet, holding a beer bottle, and acts like nothing happened as she yells out "Woo!". Priceless. Gotta love a drunk Kelly Clarkson. If I am allowed to nitpick, the only thing I can gripe about it was the fact that as a developed concept, the two fantasies didn't really relate to each other, and the only cohesive piece was infatuated Kelly. I love music videos with plot, but this one just seemed incomplete and left me wanting more than I what I actually saw. I think the first fantasy should have been further utilized because the "wealthy heiress falling in love with the help" storyline has oodles of entertainment potential, rather than the bar scenes. That, or simply just left the video as a "girls night out". Perhaps director Bryan Barber couldn't decide between the two and decided to keep both, and this is the result we see here?
Monday, April 27, 2009
Top 25 Playlist for Monday, April 27, 2009
Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Monday, 04.27.09
Much deserved first place goes to a band that doesn't seem to get the credit they deserve. Note to radio: go ahead and love this song like you did with "The Reason", por favor!
01. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far (#1 for 1 week)
02. Ne-Yo - Mad (#1 for 1 week)
03. All Time Low - Weightless
04. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
05. Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits
06. Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West - Knock You Down
07. The Real You - Unwound
08. Kelly Clarkson - Don't Let Me Stop You (#1 for 1 week)
09. Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (#1 for 1 week)
10. Akon feat. Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful
11. Meg & Dia - Black Wedding (DEBUT)
12. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For
13. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
14. Matt Giraud - You Found Me
15. The White Tie Affair - Candle (Sick And Tired) (#1 for 1 week)
16. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
17. Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire
18. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
19. The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved
20. P!nk - Please Don't Leave Me
21. David Cook - Come Back To Me
22. Jessie James - Wanted (DEBUT)
23. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
24. Mat Kearney - Closer To Love (DEBUT)
25. Holiday Parade - Getaway
Lady GaGa - Poker Face
So close, yet so far
Evan Taubenfeld - Boy Meets Girl
Hey Monday - How You Love Me Know (#1 for 1 week)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Top 25 Playlist for Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Tuesday, 04.21.09
After hovering near the top for many weeks and being denied the top spot, Ne-Yo's piano ballad finally gets his keep...although it was a close one. With the judges using their 'save' on would-be eliminated Idol Matt Giraud, I was almost swayed. Major kudos for writing a song that continues to resonate, Shaffer.
01. Ne-Yo - Mad (#1 for 1 week)
02. Matt Giraud - You Found Me
03. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far
04. Kelly Clarkson - Don't Let Me Stop You (#1 for 1 week)
05. The Real You - Unwound
06. Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (#1 for 1 week)
07. The White Tie Affair - Candle (Sick And Tired) (#1 for 1 week)
08. Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits
09. Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo and Kanye West - Knock You Down (DEBUT)
10. All Time Low - Weightless
11. P!nk - Please Don't Leave Me
12. Akon feat. Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful
13. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
14. David Cook - Come Back To Me
15. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
16. Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire
17. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
18. Evan Taubenfeld - Boy Meets Girl
19. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
20. The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved
21. Hey Monday - How You Love Me Know (#1 for 1 week)
22. Holiday Parade - Getaway
23. Lady GaGa - Poker Face
24. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
25. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For
None this week!
So close, yet so far
Artist Vs Poet - Runaway
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Cover Art Love: The Real You
Although, I don't like judging the content of a book or album by its cover art, I admit that it certainly does help in confirming the awesomeness that is contained within. Case-in-point: The Real You's Better Now Than Never EP. The vibrant green and blue aesthetic of a boy conductor who is orchestrating around the beautiful urban world surrounding him complements the music by the Pacific Northwest-based unsigned band. I loved it so much that I used it as my background paper for my desktop.
I first heard of them from my friend (a.k.a. my musical counterpart) Maricel who witnessed the band open for Lifehouse back last spring at Pipeline. I never really gave them a second thought until I came across their album art and started giving them a listen. I am such a fan of piano-based rock, so I knew I'd enjoy their music from the moment I listened to their melodies. So if you enjoy Keane and Jack's Mannequin, give them a listen, including their song "Unwound"! They will be coming out with a full length debut record very soon.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Fresh R&B: Quick takes on new Keri Hilson, Paula DeAnda, Akon, and J.Hud
You know I feature a lot of pop, rock, and pop-punk stuff, but seldom do anything on R&B, but you can guess from my Top 20/25 playlists that I do have an open ear for it. Because I am all for equal-opportunity listening, here are a few "reviews" of the freshest releases in the genre...
Keri Hilson featuring Ne-Yo & Kanye West - Knock You Down: Keri Hilson finally released her debut album, which was two way-long years coming, and delivered with a song that is driven by its triumphant, pulsating beat and smooth vocals. I would categorize this song as a R&B epic -- not only for clocking in at a length of five and a half minutes, but because it also features two guest stars: male vocals by Ne-Yo (including a neat reference to his song "Miss Independent") and raps by Kanye.
Jennifer Hudson - If This Isn't Love: I didn't care much for her debut single "Spotlight" so I gave her new single a listen and the Ryan Tedder-like production and piano over R&B hooks caught my attention. This ballad is a grower, so who knows how well it'll do. Her vocal performance of the song on Idol, however, does makes it clear that this year's resident R&B diva-wannabe Lil Rounds truly pales in comparison.
Akon featuring Colby O'Donis & Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful: I liked the original mix which featured only Akon, but this version is definitely better. Colby's smooth vocals and Kardinal's rap added another dimension to the song. Electro-pop FTW!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Top 25 Playlist for Monday, April 13, 2009
Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Monday, 04.13.09
I just couldn't get "Smack Into You" outta my head this past week. Take a song with wistful, beautiful lyrics, a voice to match, and the piano and you've got a fan in me.
01. Jon McLaughlin - Smack Into You (#1 for 1 week)
02. Matt Giraud/The Fray - You Found Me
03. Kelly Clarkson - Don't Let Me Stop You (#1 for 1 week)
04. The White Tie Affair - Candle (Sick And Tired) (#1 for 1 week)
05. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far
06. Ne-Yo - Mad
07. David Cook - Come Back To Me
08. Evan Taubenfeld - Boy Meets Girl
09. All Time Low - Weightless
10. Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits
11. Akon feat. Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful
12. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World
13. Kings of Leon - Sex On Fire
14. Hey Monday - How You Love Me Know (#1 for 1 week)
15. Holiday Parade - Getaway
16. The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved (RE-ENTRY)
17. P!nk - Please Don't Leave Me (DEBUT)
18. The Real You - Unwound
19. Lady GaGa - Poker Face
20. Artist Vs Poet - Runaway
21. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
22. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up (RE-ENTRY)
23. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
24. Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For (DEBUT)
25. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor
Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (2 weeks at #1)
James Morrison feat. Nelly Furtado - Broken Strings (1 week at #1)
So close, yet so far
Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
Craig David - Insomnia
Lights - Ice
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Please Don't Leave P!nk
P!nk's new video for her third single off Funhouse, "Please Don't Leave Me", features actor Eric Lively as her fallen lover whose subsequent attempts to leave her house -- under which he is basically taken hostage in -- have been futile. And P!nk plays a convincing hybrid of desperate housewife and psychotic nurse from hell. The video is guided under the helm of longtime P!nk director Dave Meyers, who continues the tradition of creating memorable images for the artist.
'Cept this one's bizarre, a bit creepy, distrubing, and veiled under a very dark sense of humor. In other words, very P!nk.
