99 songs of '09 - Year-end countdown

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
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

90: Sex On Fire - Kings Of Leon
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

80: Kabul Shit - Lily Allen
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

70: TiK ToK* - Kesha
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

60: It's All Your Fault - P!nk
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

50: Until I Met You - The Sunstreak
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

40:I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
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

30: Mad - Ne-Yo
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

20: Backwards - The Hoodies
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.

19: When Love Takes Over - David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland
A Destiny's Child alum gets her breakthrough with this Europop romp spearheaded by French DJ and producer David Guetta.

18: Never Leave You - Tinchy Stryder feat. Amelle Berrabah
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.

17: Live Like We're Dying - Kris Allen
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.

16: The Fear - Lily Allen
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.

15: Weightless - All Time Low
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.

14: Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo & Kanye - Knock You Down
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.

13: Bonfire - Third Eye Blind
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.

12: Quietdrive - Birthday
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!

11: Bad Romance - Lady GaGa
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.

10: Under Control - Parachute
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.

09: Release Me - Agnes Carlsson
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.

08: So Close, So Far - Hoobastank
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.

07: Come On - Green River Ordinance
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.

06: Stay - SafetySuit
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.

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

Alright. Bring on 2010.

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 not-so-subtle blatant producer manipulation has infuritated me all season.

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 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.

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?

Kelly Clarkson - New Music - More Music Videos

Loves At First Listen: A couple of Idols and Piano Men

"Smack Into You" - Jon McLaughlin: The song was revealed late last summer by Jon as a sort of preview of what to expect on his sophomore album OK Now, but when it was time for it to hit stores, the song was mysteriously left off the record and months later found on Beyonce's I Am... disc re-titled as "Smash Into You". Despite the odd turn for the song, Jon's earnest croon and piano skills make this a signature tune. And Beyonce's version just doesn't compare to the original. ETA: I just found a fan-made duet of a mash-up of both versions and it actually sounds great. And I take back what I said about Beyonce. Both of their voices go so well together that they should actually get together and release an official duet. It would be a huge hit!

"Don't Let Me Stop You" - Kelly Clarkson: Although "I Do Not Hook Up" is slated to be the second official single release off All I Ever Wanted, this catchy pop rock song is a clear standout with mega hit potential. The first introductory chords are very reminscent of "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and the song veers into classic KC Breakaway-era style as she scornfully kisses off a lover who cannot commit. I had this one on repeat.

"Boy Meets Girl - Evan Taubenfeld: I love songs that references big 80s arena rock bands and songs in a modern-day pop song. It is a surefire way to get a hit, and this former Avril Lavigne guitarist-turned-singer-songwriter may very well get his with this anthemic ode to love from a rockers' P.O.V. Minus points for pronouncing Tupac's name as "two-pack", though.

"You Found Me" - Matt Giraud: Okay, so I have not completely abandoned this show. IMHO, Matt and Allison Iraheta (and maybe Adam Lambert) are the only two contestants left who have the greatest potential to have successful post-Idol recording careers. Take Matt's effortless studio cover of The Fray's current hit which previews how fantastic his raspy/soulful vocals sound on a record.

**This is a re-post. I have no idea how or why the original entry was deleted, but it was, and now it's back. Thanks!**

Top 25 Playlist for March 30, 2009

Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Monday, 03.30.09

Ne-Yo just can't get a break...he's at number 2 yet again while a debut KC non-single makes it on top. It's THAT GOOD. Look for a future "Love At First Listen" post very soon...

01. Kelly Clarkson - Don't Let Me Stop You (#1 for 1 week) (DEBUT)
02. Ne-Yo - Mad
03. Hey Monday - How You Love Me Know (#1 for 1 week)
04. James Morrison feat. Nelly Furtado - Broken Strings (#1 for 1 week)
05. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
06. The Real You - Unwound
07. Hoobastank - So Close, So Far
08. Lady GaGa - Poker Face
09. Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas
10. Holiday Parade - Getaway (DEBUT)
11. Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
12. All Time Low - Weightless (DEBUT)
13. New Found Glory - Listen To Your Friends
14. Shinedown - Second Chance
15. Lights - Ice (DEBUT)
16. Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (#1 for 2 weeks)
17. The Veronicas - Take Me On The Floor (DEBUT)
18. The White Tie Affair - Candle (RE-ENTRY)
19. Craig David - Insomnia
20. Kevin Rudolf feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome To The World (DEBUT)
21. Artist Vs Poet - Runaway
22. Jesse McCartney feat. Ludacris - How Do You Sleep? (RE-ENTRY)
23. Lily Allen - The Fear (#1 for 1 week)
24. This Providence - That Girl's A Trick
25. Katy Perry - Thinking Of You (#1 for 2 weeks)

Retired
Katy Perry - Hot N' Cold

So close, yet so far
Ciara feat. Young Jeezy - Never Ever
Taylor Swift - Forever & Always
The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name
T.I. feat. Justin Timberlake - Dead And Gone
Hikaru Utada - Come Back To Me
Fall Out Boy - America's Suitehearts
Aranda - All I Ever Wanted

Check back next week for the next top 25 playlist...and stay tuned to the premiere of Hey Monday's new video for their single "How You Love Me Now" via Myspace tomorrow.

Peace out, Blender

Bad/Sad news: A popular music publication is folding...and that magazine is Blender. Born in the beginning of the decade, Blender was really the only mainstream music magazine worth browsing through because of its witty writing, hip recommendations (The Blender Bible, Guide, and Top lists of whatever), and coverage of the aritsts and musicians I love...and were willing to put the biggest pop stars on their covers (Kelly! Katy! Leona!)

I had a feeling that the end was coming, since the last few issues of the magazine had lost its original binding and quantity (their latest and final print issue contains a paltry 72 pages). And to think, I was about to subscribe to Blender after my rather disappointing subscription affair with Rolling Stone ran its long, long course.

Mainstream music mag heir apparent, where are you??!?

Top 25 Playlist for March 8, 2009

Friss Zene Top 25 for the week ending on Sunday, 03.08.09

Twenty-five, because there's much more to love // Kelly's newest album hits stores Tuesday!

01. Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (#1 for 2 weeks)
02. Valencia - Where Did You Go? (#1 for 1 week)
03. Ne-Yo - Mad
04. Craig David - Insomnia
05. Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
06. Aranda - All I Ever Wanted (DEBUT)
07. Lily Allen - The Fear (#1 for 1 week)
08. Katy Perry - Hot N' Cold
09. T.I. feat. Justin Timberlake - Dead And Gone
10. The Real You - Unwound
11. James Morrison feat. Nelly Furtado - Broken Strings (DEBUT)
12. The Veronicas - Hook Me Up
13. Katy Perry - Thinking Of You (#1 for 2 weeks)
14. Valencia - Free (#1 for 2 weeks)
15. Hoobastank - So Close So Far
16. Fall Out Boy - America's Suitehearts
17. Artist Vs Poet - Runaway
18. Taylor Swift - Forever & Always (DEBUT)
19. This Providence - That Girl's A Trick
20. Hikaru Utada - Come Back To Me (DEBUT)
21. Ciara feat. Young Jeezy - Never Ever (DEBUT)
22. A Rocket To The Moon - Dakota (DEBUT)
23. Lady Gaga - Poker Face (RE-ENTRY)
24. Shontelle feat. Akon - Stuck With Each Other (RE-ENTRY)
25. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up (DEBUT)

So close, yet so far
The Fray - You Found Me
The Saturdays - Issues
Christina Milian - Us Against The World
David Cook - Avalanche

Check back next week Sunday for the next top 20/25 playlist.

Top 20 Playlist for February 1, 2009

Friss Zene Top 20 for the week ending on Sunday, 02.1.09

A Yankee tops a Brit this week, but this time it's Kelly Clarkson over Lily Allen...

01. Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You (#1 for 1 week)
02. Lily Allen - The Fear (DEBUT)
03. Katy Perry - Thinking Of You (#1 for 2 weeks)
04. Eric Hutchinson - Rock & Roll
05. The Fray - You Found Me
06. Leona Lewis - Run (#1 for 1 week)
07. Fall Out Boy - America's Suitehearts
08. Secondhand Serenade - Your Call
09. Valencia - Free
10. Leona Lewis - I Will Be
11. Beyonce - Halo
12. We The Kings - Secret Valentine (DEBUT)
13. Katy Perry - Hot N' Cold
14. New Found Glory - Listen To Your Friends
15. John Legend - Everybody Knows
16. Thriving Ivory - Angels On The Moon
17. 30H!3 - Don't Trust Me
18. The Veronicas - Untouched
19. David Archuleta - A Little Too Not Over You
20. Erin McCarley - Love, Save The Empty (DEBUT)

Falling Off
Kanye West - Heartless
Jesse McCartney - How Do You Sleep?
Nicole Scherzinger (PCD) - I Hate This Part

Check back in seven days for the next Top 20 update.

Kelly debuts video today, gets the #1 song in the nation tomorrow...

Kelly Clarkson's new single "My Life Would Suck Without You" will make the big jump from #97 last week to #1 this week when Billboard officially publishes its Hot 100 singles chart tomorrow. Clarkson will now have the honor of making the largest leap to the top spot, previously held by Britney Spears' "Womanizer".

She debuted her music video on AT&T's website along an accompanying teaser on tonight's American Idol. The video, directed by Wayne Isham, has Kelly back in top form as a cool hipster chick whose rocky (but good) relationship with her boyfriend has lasted since childhood, evolving from friends to lovers. My favorite parts of the video: (1) Kelly nearly throws her bf's goldfish tank (along with the innocent gilly) out of the window but the little fish is saved at the last munute before its home was smashed to pieces and when (2) Kelly is in the jeep, singing the chorus from the top of her lungs with the sunshine peeking through her messy, dirty blonde hair. I am digging this video. And it's great to see Kelly having a lot of fun, for a change.

Fresh Judgment: Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You"

My Life Would Suck Without You - Kelly Clarkson

The original American Idol is back on the music scene with a brand new album (her fourth dropping in March) titled All I Ever Wanted and arguably amusingly-titled comeback single. Kelly Clarkson goes back to her pop/pop-rock roots last heard from her Breakaway days to revive her mainstream music career since releasing the critically praised but commercially flopping My December.

The song opens with a drumbeat hook reminiscent of "Since U Been Gone" but quickly builds up to a dancey electro-pop chorus. Sure, the lyrics seem to find Clarkson falling back in love rather than love-scorened, but there are subtle hints in her delivery that indicate some unresolved aggression. As if she is begrudgingly giving in (or giving up?) to a second chance relationship with this guy. Perhaps this was a result of my initial confusion upon hearing the song for the first time. I secretly hoped she would go pop again, but also take her organic and angsty My December outlook with her. But since she takes a backseat on the songwriting this time, the result is a shiney, made-for-radio pop song. The first indication is the sing-a-long chorus and catchy hook. The second are the song's co-writers, Max Martin and Dr. Luke, who helped credit Clarkson with major chart success with "SUBG".

No doubt, this song is almost guaranteed to have chart success, thanks to the presumed record label support it (and the album) will receive, unlike the last time around when Clarkson butted heads with her label and label-head Clive Davis over the direction and content of My December. Maybe it is a stretch or over-analyzation, but a second-take on the lyrics may also indicate Clarkson eating humble pie (read: compromising) and acquiescing her creative control to those who have developed her career.

Think about it when you listen to the lines in the second verse:

Maybe I was stupid for telling you goodbye / Maybe I was wrong for trying to pick a fight.../ Either way, I found out I'm nothing without you.

If indeed Clarkson has found peace with the direction of her music this time around and truly has found all she ever wanted (pun intended), I hope she hasn't lost complete creative control and the rest of her new album will showcase all her strengths: originality and vulnerability, which unfortunately is lacking here, as well as the pop-rock sound she has successfully mastered.