Category Archives: Music

Posted on by

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 m

y 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.

Posted on by

Top 100 Songs of 2015 – Part 7 (#40-31)

For the previous list (Songs #50-41) click here.

Songs #40-31

40. Believe, Mumford & Sons

Mumford & Sons third studio album, Wilder Mind is a bit of a departure from their typical folk rock style that they have become to be known for. Instead, it is more rock heavy, with an electric feel that we have not heard from them before.

Their first single off the album, “Believe,” is just what Mumford & Sons needed to prove to some of their nay-sayers who considered the band to be one-trick ponies. “Believe” proves that Mumford and Sons have perfected the folk rock sound, and are well on their way towards alternative rock dominance.

39. Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah), Andy Grammer

If any pop rock song is going to make you get up and dance, it has to be “Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah).” Along with “Honey, I’m Good” and his stint on Dancing With the Stars, the track has led Andy Grammer to the most successful year of his life.

“Good To Be Alive” is about reaching success after years of struggles and let downs. Andy Grammer is known to be one of the hardest working men in the business, and an all around great guy. He always has a smile on his face, and his positive attitude is contagious. Here is to hoping he has not even begun to reach his full potential yet, and will continue to create music that fans of all ages and musical preferences can enjoy.

38. Long Way Down, Robert DeLong

Released in late 2014, “Long Way Down” blew up in 2015 and helped Robert DeLong become a significant name in the world of electronic music and alternative rock. In an interview with All Access Music, DeLong said the inspiration behind the song was “the sentiment that everyone will die, so don’t be a dick about stuff that doesn’t matter, if you don’t have to.”

If everyone lived by the wise words of DeLong, the world would be a much better place. DeLong for President 2016?

37. Wolves (You Got Me), Dreamers

“Wolves” is basically a three and a half minute lecture from your mother about choosing the people you hang around with carefully. The ridiculously catchy track centers around the refrain…

“You got me brainwashed
You got me so lost
You got me f*#@* up
Like you

And if you lie down with wolves, you’ll learn to howl….”

People are going to influence you in good ways and in bad ways, it is human nature, but if you hang around wolves, you will begin to learn how to howl, and eventually become one yourself.

Regardless of its message, it is fun as hell to sing along to and a great introduction to the band.

36. Great Big Storm, Nate Ruess

It seems that everything Nate Ruess touches turns to gold. The sophmore album for his band, Fun., “Some Nights“, has been certified Gold or Platinum in eight countries, and spawned four massive hits. He has found tremendous success in collaborating with some of the biggest names in music (i.e. P!nk and Eminem), and has now branched out on a solo career, which led to his first single, “Nothing Without Love” racing up the charts.

After just a few listens of his second track, “Great Big Storm” you will likely find it impossible to not sing along with Ruess during the refrain, which almost sounds like he started an impromptu rock concert with a native African tribe in a remote region of Kenya. As Ruess assures us, he is “holding his own, in a great big storm.” Looking forward to what Ruess has in store for 2016. Whether he does more solo work, or makes new music with Fun., it is sure to be fantastic.

35. Work This Body, Walk the Moon

https://youtu.be/cadeA-_QV1o

Last year “Walk the Moon” had the number 2 spot on the countdown with their hit “Shut Up and Dance.” Once again, this year they released a new song just in time for the end of the year countdown with “Work This Body.” A calypso style track with enough energy to wake the dead, “Work This Body” will likely be played on radio stations across the country in 2016 until you are completely sick of it, just like its big brother, “Shut Up and Dance.” For the first six months, however, you are going to love it.

34. Let’s Not Be Alone Tonight, R5

With easy to sing vocals, and a ridiculously catchy beat, “Let’s Not Be Alone Tonight” is easily R5’s best effort to date. More rock than pop, it could be signifying the bands maturity and transition from pop to alternative rock. Hopefully the older they get, the more they will begin to focus more on the alternative and less on the pop, as this song is a complete gem.

33. Congregation, Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters have such a distinct sound that they have begun to be the basis of what modern rock should sound like. Not many bands can rock out as hard as Foo Fighters, and “Congregation” is proof of that. While the song is clearly an anthem, it is difficult to imagine it being anywhere near as powerful if it were performed by any other band.

Foo Fighters have the ability to make anything amazing, and their performance of “Congregation” is THE definition of Rock and Roll.

 

32. Ex’s and Oh’s, Elle King

Clearly the breakthrough female artist of the year, Elle King became 2015’s answer to 1995’s Alanis Morissette. “Ex’s and Oh’s” was everywhere, and Elle King basically became an overnight sensation. Growing up as the daughter of funny man Rob Schneider, Elle King must have learned from a very early age that it is not important what others think about you. She is brave, bold, and not scared to release a song about using and abusing men.

She is nominated for 2 Grammy’s at this year’s awards, including Best Rock Performance, and Best Rock Song, both for “Ex’s and Oh’s.” It will certainly be a challenge for her to beat out Alabama Shakes, Foo Fighters, and Florence and the machine, but if she does, expect a close up from Daddy Schneider, and a lot more of Ms. King in 2016.

31. The One, Kodaline

Wedding bells in your near future? Searching for that perfect first dance song? Well, search no further. “The One” by Irish rock band, Kodaline, could be the most perfect wedding song of all time. In fact, it is so perfect that it is almost nauseating.

For the third straight year Kodaline makes the end of the year countdown with a tender, yet poignant rock song that could both lull a child to sleep, as well as pump you up for a night out on the town.

Rightfully so, Kodaline is massively successful in Ireland, but in my opinion is still one of the most underrated bands in music today in the United States.

Posted on by

Top 100 Songs of 2015 – Part 6 (50-41)

Songs 100 – 91     Songs 90-81     Songs 80-71     Songs 70-61     Songs 60-51 

50. All Your Favorite Bands, Dawes

Anyone that considers themselves a music lover knows that there is not much more devastating than their favorite bands breaking up. Dawes frontman, Taylor Goldsmith said of the “All Your Favorite Bands”…

“I know that my favorite bands are a really deep part of who I am.” “They help define me, they help represent me, they trigger certain emotional memories, and they stand for the ideals and lifestyle that I will always hope to achieve. And I don’t mean rock and roll fantasies, but rather concepts like freedom and enlightenment.”

“I would love for someone wishing me well to put it in the terms of ‘may all your favorite bands stay together.’ That would be a real friend. That person would know what truly matters. To me, the statement of ‘All Your Favorite Bands’ immediately gets down to a highly personal and singular part of anybody in a way that few other concepts can.”

“All Your Favorite Bands” is a beautiful, thought provoking song that will make you question why nobody has ever wished that blessing on you before. Hopefully, for the sake of music fans everywhere, Dawes will be one of those bands that stays together forever.

*The addition of Brandon Flowers, lead singer of The Killers, in the music video makes a great song even more amazing.

49. Wasn’t Expecting That, Jamie Lawson

Break out the tissues for the most gut-wrenching, heart-breaking song of 2015. “Wasn’t Expecting That” (released in Ireland in 2011, but did not make it to the States until this year) is a love story to end all love stories. Newcomer Jamie Lawson tells the story of a couple’s journey together from their first meeting, until the woman’s untimely death, and it could not be more beautiful and traumatic at the same time.

Based on this track alone, it looks as though Lawson could be following in his buddy Ed Sheeran’s footsteps as a dominant force in the singer-songwriter world.

48. Big Decisions, My Morning Jacket

My Morning Jacket has been around for nearly 18 years, and “Big Decisions” is arguably their best song, and most successful song to date. Lead singer, Jim James says that the track is about people that are unhappy with their lives and constantly complain, but refuse to make any changes.

Just about everyone can listen to this song and think of that one friend they have and relate. How many times have you thought, “what do you want me to do, make all the big decisions for you” while giving advice and pretending to feel sympathy for your disaster of a friend? Thanks to My Morning Jacket, you can now play “Big Decisions” and let the song speak for itself.

47. Where Do Broken Hearts Go, One Direction

Before you spit your drink out all over your computer screen or phone, I think you need to listen to the song, and ignore the band name. Despite being One Direction, “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” is just as much rock as it is pop. If you are not a One Direction fan, or secretly are one, but you are too embarrassed to admit it to yourself, I am here to tell you that it is alright to like this song, no matter how old you are.

Do yourself a favor and blast this song in your car and sing along. You will not be sorry.

46. I Don’t Wanna Be Sad, Simple Plan

https://youtu.be/aOKXGfk_-6I

Canadian pop-punk-rock band Simple Plan is back and as fun as they have always been. If you or someone you know is sad, this is a must watch video. “I Don’t Wanna Be Sad” will turn your frown upside down, and make your sad feelings disappear, if only for a few minutes. The motivational track is just enough to hold fans over until they release their highly anticipated fifth studio album, Taking One For the Team in February, 2016.

45. Ship To Wreck, Florence and the Machine

We have all had those mornings where you feel the same was that Florence feels in “Ship to Wreck.” You drank too much, partied too hard, hooked up with someone you would rather not have, or simply made disastrous, awful decisions. We feel you, Flo.

Florence said the following about her writing “Ship To Wreck.”

“I was thinking about my own self destructive side, and how you can make something only to tear it down, enjoy/destroy, create/devastate etc. When you’re in that whirlwind, you often end up breaking the thing you love the most.”

At 2015’s Coachella festival Florence introduced the song the with..

“Some time off I had in London where I had some drunken parties and trashed my house and said a drunken ‘I love you’ too soon.”

“Even though all that disastrous stuff happened, I got this song out of it,” she added. “It all works out, and even if it doesn’t, write a song about it.”

The rock world is thankful for your drunken parties, your trashed house, and your drunken “I love you’s” Florence. Keep up the partying, and keep releasing songs about your self destruction.

44. Cocoon, Catfish and the Bottlemen

Welsh rock band, Catfish and the Bottlemen formed back in 2007, but it was not until late 2014 that they released their first full length studio album, The Balcony. From the first second when the guitar rips, “Cocoon” is a rock and roll juggernaut which keeps the pace through the entire track.

Simply put, the song “Cocoon”, written on a rooftop in New York City across from a million strangers, is about “being in love with the moment,” says lead singer Van McCann.

Hopefully now that Catfish and the Bottlemen have released their first album, fans will not have to wait another 7 years before they release their next one.

43. Wherever is Your Heart, Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile could sing the McDonalds dollar menu and it would probably be considered one of the best songs of the year. This woman can do no wrong. Each and every time she releases a song, it is better than the one before it (with the exception of “The Story“) which, in my opinion, is one of the greatest female fronted songs of all time. In fact, if she ever released a song I was more obsessed with than “The Story” I think my head would explode.

“Wherever Is Your Heart” is pretty damn close to being her best though. Nobody can do folk-rock and make it sound SO folky and SO rock at the same time, quite like Brandi Carlile. “Wherever Is Your Heart” starts out as a laid back, peaceful track that you want to listen to as you lay in a hammock on a warm summer’s day. It ends with me wanting to jump out of the hammock, rip off my shirt, and sprint around my block which singing along with Carlile.

* On a devastating note: I just found out that Brandi Carlile is married…… and a lesbian. Therefore she will definitely never be able sing “The Story” to me at our wedding. I’m crushed.

If you have never heard “The Story” you have failed at life, and you must save face and listen to it immediately. Multiple times.

42. Dumb, The Heydaze

https://youtu.be/d0fusFSSVy8

I’m beginning to think that The Heydaze have some sort of recording device in my house because the lyrics to “Dumb” are basically the words that come out of my mouth every morning in the summer. And on the weekends. And Tuesdays.

“Dumb” is one of the most playful songs on the year, and catchy as hell. Hopefully The Heydaze can continue to drop hits like “Dumb” and steer clear of one-hit wonder status. Because of their unique style, they certainly have the ability to stand out from the pack and expand their audience in 2016 and beyond.

41. Renegades, X Ambassadors

Quite possibly the most inspirational song of the year, “Renegades” is about people overcoming their challenges. The video features athletes with physical disabilities competing as any other athlete would compete. From weight lifting, to wrestling, boxing, and rock climbing, disabled athletes are shown overcoming the odds and achieving their goals.

It is especially poignant since one of the members of the band, Casey Harris (keyboards) has been blind since birth.

“Renegades” is a great rock song, but more importantly, it is a great song to inspire people with any sort of disability that they are capable of achieving whatever they put their minds to: like being in a killer band, and having one of the best rock songs of the year.