Top 100 Songs of 2015 (5-1)

Songs 100 – 91     Songs 90-81     Songs 80-71     Songs 70-61     Songs 60-51                   Songs 50-41        Songs 40-31     Songs 30-21    Songs 20-16    Songs 15-11   Songs 10-6

5. Sedona, Houndmouth

For some reason Houndmouth does not seem to receive a substantial amount of radio play. It would be a crying shame if this beauty of a song fades into obscurity without getting the recognition it deserves. A true tale sign of a reamarkable song is when it takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. The first half of “Sedona” is so easy going, thanks to lead singer, Matt Myers’ voice, which is so soothing, that you could listen to it while falling asleep at night, and you would likely drift into a blissful slumber.

At the 3:00 mark, however, “Sedona” transitions from a happy-go-lucky ditty, to an all out rock anthem. The contrast between the first three minutes to the last 45 seconds, is what makes this a true Alternative Rock masterpiece, and makes Myers and Houndmouth, a force to be reckoned with.

4. Tear in My Heart, Twenty One Pilots

Despite the fact that “my taste in music is your face” is one of the most bizarre and confusing lyrics of the year, “Tear in My Heart” is so good that it is easy to forgive that ridiculous line.

The song, rumored to be written about vocalist Tyler Joseph’s wife, is about how he let her in to his emotional side, which led to a tear in his heart. Regardless of its sentimental attachment, “Tear In My Heart” will pump you up and leave you wanting more. With the success that Twenty One Pilots found in 2015, it is very likely that fans will not have to wait very long for them to get back in the studio and ride their wave of momentum to further success.

 

3. First, Cold War Kids

https://youtu.be/SZzJ78FWjl8

Formed in 2004, Cold War Kids have had a very long road to get to where they are today. But after 11 years and 5 albums, their song “First” was by far the most successful single to date, and finally allowed them to get the recognition they deserve. Living up to its name, “First”, was the bands first number one track on the US Alternative charts.

“First” is a modern day anthem for teenagers everywhere. Teenage years are full of many, many “firsts”, and what better song to have as the soundtrack to your life than this pop-punk-rock gem.

2. Boom, Simple Plan

If you’re between the ages of 25-40 you probably remember Simple Plan, the fun-loving Canadian pop-punk-rock band that took the world by storm with their 2002 debut album, No Helmets, No Pads, Just Balls. 

Well, the best thing to come out of Canada since, uh……. ever, is back, and just as fun and catchy as ever. Now in their mid-thirties, the guys from Simple Plan may be feeling a bit more sore the morning after a video shoot, but you certainly wouldn’t be able to tell from their enthusiasm.

“Boom” is one of the most energetic songs of 2015 and should have you singing along by the end of the first time you hear it. If you don’t start fist pumping, dancing, or singing “bo bo bo bo bo bo bo” to “Boom” than you are bo bo bo bo bo bo bo boring.

1. Could Have Been Me, The Struts

The Struts, an English rock band from Derby, England, formed back in 2010, and released their debut album Everybody Wants last year. “Could Have Been Me” has made its way to the States this summer, and after hearing roughly 20 seconds of

the track on Alt Nation, I purchased the track on iTunes before the song was even over.

The Struts have dubbed their style as “Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll” after the song by The Killers. Not only are The Struts glamorous, party animals that could hang with AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses in their prime, they are full-on rock stars with the ability to get your 90 year old grandmother out of her rocking chair, and ready to get the party started.

“Could Have Been Me” is a epic rock anthem that will make you want to practice rolling your r’s, so you can properly sing along to this killer track.

Top 100 Songs of 2015 – Part 8 (30-21)

Songs 100 – 91     Songs 90-81     Songs 80-71     Songs 70-61     Songs 60-51                    Songs 50-41         Songs 40-31

30. Buy Me a Boat, Chris Janson

You know the old saying that money can’t buy happiness. Chris Janson is well aware of it. But, he doesn’t care, he still wants it. Because what money can do, is buy you a boat, a truck, and a huge cooler filled up with ice cold beers.

In one of the most clever country songs of the year, Chris Janson disproves the old saying, and goes to show that money can buy happiness. It is a country song in every sense of the term, but even country haters will get a kick out of Janson, and his brilliant outlook on money and life.

29. Kiss This, The Struts

The Struts are a rock band from Derby, England, and have had a massive year expanding their fandom to the States with their hit “Could’ve Been Me” which was released way back in 2013 in the UK, and not until the summer of 2015 in the States.

The band has dubbed their style as “glamorous indie rock and roll” in reference to The Killers song by the same name (which is itself a must hear track.)

“Kiss This” is a hard core rock and roll track. It is so full on rock that it almost comes across as scary, which is what rock and roll is meant to be. If Freddie Mercury was still alive, he would be lead singer, Luke Spiller, which is meant as a massive compliment to both men. “Kiss This” will get your fists pumping and ready to take on the world.

Who will love this track? Fans of The Darkness, Stone Temple Pilots, Against Me! and classic rock lovers.

28. Beautiful Life, Nick Fradiani

Nick Fradiani, winner of the penultimate season of American Idol may not become one of the more successful Idol winners of all time. But, his coronation song for season 14 is certainly one of the best in the show’s history.

27. The Wolf, Mumford & Sons

Nothing could make “The Wolf” more perfect. Expect a video featuring the guys of Mumford and Sons running around Bonnaroo music festival dressed as a chicken, fox, Robin Hood, and a bride. This is the most fun we have seen Mumford and Sons have, and it makes them even more likable than they already were.

“The Wolf” continues the pattern of a more rock sound that they band was searching for on the latest album, Wilder Mind.  

26. America’s Sweetheart, Elle King

Unless you have been in a coma for the past six months, you are probably quite familiar with Elle King and her breakout hit of the summer, “Exes and Ohs.” Being the real life daughter of Rob Schneider may have left some wondering if her father’s connections has helped Elle launch her music career, but after “America’s Sweetheart” Elle confirmed that she is not a one-hit wonder, and is a bonafide rock star, regardless of her dad being Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo.

In “America’s Sweetheart” Elle shares with the world all of her imperfections, and flaws. She drinks too much, has a chip in her front tooth, and has awful tattoos. Elle breaks boys’ hearts, and couldn’t care less. She is unapologetic for who she is, and does not care what the world thinks of her, because she has never claimed to be America’s sweetheart.

“What do you want from me? I’m not America’s sweetheart
So beat the drum with me, I’m not America’s sweetheart
Well, they say I’m too loud for this town
So I lit a match and burned it down
What do you want from me, I’m not America’s sweetheart
But you love me anyway”

BUT, despite all of her traits, and her inability to play the role of America’s sweetheart, Elle promises that we are going to love her anyway, and she could not be any more right. She is certainly not “America’s Sweetheart”, but America has fallen in love with Elle King.

25. Crash and Burn, Thomas Rhett

Perhaps the least country, country song of the year goes to “Crash and Burn” by Thomas Rhett. You can define it however you want; country, pop, rock, funk, soul, r&b, etc., but there is no denying that it is fantastic.

Rhett, son of country star Rhett Atkins, has had his breakout year in 2015, releasing “Crash and Burn” and more recently, the wildly successful “Die a Happy Man.”

Cupid would crash and burn into the ground if he could hear this song about failed relationships, which is the complete opposite of “Die a Happy Man.” Possibly Rhett realized that if he wants a nice Valentines Day gift he better release a follow up to the anti-relationship anthem. I am sure I am not alone when I say that I can  not wait to see what this guy comes up with next.

24. High, Young Rising Sons

If you know this song, and do not sing alone with it each and every time you hear it, than you are a much better man (or woman) than I. Even if I am tired, or in a sour mood, in a classroom full of students, or at the gym, I do not have the will power to not sing along. It is catchier than the Bubonic plague in 14th century Asia.

Next time you’re having a bad day, play this pick-me-up from Jersey boys, Young Rising Sons, and you will quickly be reminded that without the lows, you would never have the highhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeiiiiiii.

23. Makeshift Love, Good Charlotte

There were a lot of surprises in music in 2015, but maybe none more shocking than Good Charlotte returning after years of hiatus and releasing their best song in a decade, “Makeshift Love.”

The Madden Brothers and Co. have channeled their inner Weezer for the music video, which features numerous text message alert noises, which have tricked me every single time I have listened to the song.

If “Makeshift Love” is any indication about what their new album will sound like, expect to see some Good Charlotte tunes in the top 20 songs of 2016.

22. Things Happen, Dawes

No band in music today can harmonize quite like Dawes, and no frontman has a more soothing voice than Taylor Goldsmith. One of the most underrated bands of the decade, Dawes, released their fourth studio album this summer, titled All Your Favorite Bands, and “Things Happen” was their first single off the album.

Despite the bands folkiness and laid back demeanor, Dawes has a tendency to have some epic songs, and “Things Happen” is one of them. Second to none, their songs tell stories, and Dawes is a band that can tell the most beautiful stories that you never tire of hearing.

21. Sing It All Away, Walk Off The Earth

I don’t just listen to “Sing It All Away”, I actually feel “Sing It All Away.” The repeat button is always on when this track plays. Walk Off the Earth have got to be the coolest, laid back band in music today. Who knew that Canadians could be so cool?

“Sing It All Away” is about going to a bar with your buddies to forget about all your troubles. Is it even humanly possible to sing it all away at karaoke while throwing back some beers with your friends and still be weighed down by daily burdens? I certainly don’t think so.

“Oh oh oh
Sing it all away, sing it all away my darlings

I know a place that will take you away
Your troubles no longer remain from the day
I found a love there it’s hard to escape
It cures me at night, but it hurts when I wake

There’s no judge and the jury’s at bay
‘Cause this is our house where melodies play
If worries still linger my friends and I say
Top up your cup and let’s sing it all away”

Walk Off the Earth, if you are ever in New England and feel the need to sing it all away, I know a guy that will close the bar down with you.

5 Songs You May Have Missed This Past Year, But Need to Hear Right Now

Due to modern technology and the vast resources that are available for us to hear new music, now, more than ever, we are likely to miss out on some songs that deserve our attention. Because of your local radio stations, you may be unaware that artists besides Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and Adele have released music this year. Here are 5 songs you missed, and need to be a part of your playlist. Better late than never.

5. “The Money”, Charlie Mars (released September 2014)

Everyone has dreamed about winning the Powerball and never having to worry about financial woes ever again. And we have all heard the phrase “money doesn’t make you happy” or variations of it. I don’t know about you, but I am certainly the happiest on pay days (well, pay day nights, after about 2pm.)

Charlie Mars, a singer-songwriter from Mississippi, is here to tell us once and for all, that money can not buy happiness in this folk-rock, laid-back jam.

“I thought when we got the money we could buy the pain away. But then we got it, and when we got it, the money, it wanted to stay…”

Mars crushes the vocals with his smooth, flawless voice that makes you want to lounge by the pool, sip on a cocktail and never get up.

Who will like this track? Fans of Dispatch, Jason Mraz, Ryan Adams etc.

4. “Kiss This”The Struts (released April of 2014)

The Struts are a rock band from Derby, England, and have had a massive year expanding their fandom to the States with their hit “Could’ve Been Me” which was released way back in 2013 in the UK, and not until the summer of 2015 in the States.

The band has dubbed their style as “glamorous indie rock and roll” in reference to The Killers song by the same name (which is itself a must hear track.)

“Kiss This” is the definition of a rock track. It is so full on rock that it almost comes across as scary, which is what rock and roll is meant to be. If Freddie Mercury was still alive, he would be lead singer, Luke Spiller, which is meant as a massive compliment to both men. “Kiss This” will get your fists pumping and ready to take on the world.

Who will love this track? Fans of The Darkness, Stone Temple Pilots, Against Me! and classic rock lovers.

 

3. “I Was Me”, Imagine Dragons (Released October 12, 2015)

https://youtu.be/UcYzxv0KFk8

I know what you’re thinking. The last modern rock band in the world that needs promoting is Imagine Dragons. The last three years their hits have littered the airwaves and were being sung by both old and young.

But “I Am Me” is no ordinary Imagine Dragons mega-hit. It is a charity single that the band wrote for the One4 Project with all proceeds going to the UN Refugee Agency to support fleeing refugees in the Middle East.

The guys in Imagine Dragons continue to use their fame to make positive changes in the world. First they created the Tyler Robinson Foundation to raise money for young people battling cancer, then they release this beautiful track to help fleeing refugees, and just a few weeks ago they helped Miss Piggy by appearing on her talk show on ABC’s “The Muppets.” These guys are full-on, modern day Mother Teresa’s.

Photo Credit: TVGuide.com

Photo Credit: TVGuide.com

 

You can hear a solid thirty second clip in the attached video, which also shares more details on the exact cause the charity single is supporting. Go buy it on iTunes. It will be the best $1.29 you spend all day, and it goes to a great cause. Don’t be a cheap bastard.

Who will like this track? Fans of Imagine Dragons and modern rock in general.

 

2. “Cool Kids”, The Eeries (released as an EP on December 9, 2014)

Not only do The Eeries look like they are straight out of the early 90’s Seattle grunge scene, they have the sound to fit right in. Tell me Kurt Cobain would not write these lyrics….

“Here comes the weekend/hanging out with my best friend/wish I was a cool kid/wish I was a cool kid…… aspartame/I like the buzzing in my brain.”

The Eeries have yet to release a full length album, but from the sound of their 5 track EP, they have potential to make some big waves on the rock charts in the coming years. There are not many better songs to play when you get out of work on a Friday. In fact, I am sure I get some strange looks from co-workers (and students) when I am screaming along with HERE COMES THE WEEKENDDDDDDD, YEAH!, and still in the parking lot.

This acoustic version of “Cool Kid” is fantastic (the music starts at :40), but the studio version is where it is at.

Who will love this track? 90’s rock fans, anyone that loves the weekend, cool kids, not cool kids, and Kurt Cobain

1. “Sing It All Away”, Walk Off the Earth (released June 12, 2015)

I don’t just listen to “Sing It All Away”, I actually feel “Sing It All Away.” The repeat button is always on when this track gets played. Walk Off the Earth have got to be the coolest, laid back band in music today. Who knew that Canadian’s could be so cool?

“Sing It All Away” seems to be about going to a bar with your buddies to forget about all your troubles. Is it even humanly possible to sing it all away at karaoke while throwing back some beers with your friends and still be weighed down by daily burdens? I certainly don’t think so.

“Oh oh oh
Sing it all away, sing it all away my darlings

I know a place that will take you away
Your troubles no longer remain from the day
I found a love there it’s hard to escape
It cures me at night, but it hurts when I wake

There’s no judge and the jury’s at bay
‘Cause this is our house where melodies play
If worries still linger my friends and I say
Top up your cup and let’s sing it all away”

Walk Off the Earth, if you are ever in New England and feel the need to sing it all away, I know a guy that will close the bar down with you.

Who will love this track? Everyone.

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