Songs 100 – 91 Songs 90-81 Songs 80-71 Songs 70-61 Songs 60-51 Songs 50-41 Songs 40-31 Songs 30-21
20. Nothing Without Love, Nate Ruess
The debut single from Nate Ruess, “Nothing Without Love,” proved that this guy has the ability to shine as a solo artist while his band, Fun, is on hiatus. With one of the most distinctive voices in the business, it is obvious from the first few notes that it is Ruess passionately perfecting the vocals on this memorable track.
19. I Am, AWOLNATION
Awolnation’s latest track, “I Am” was born from the rejection lead singer, Aaron Bruno felt upon initial feedback of their recent album, Run.
“I Am” is about being an individual, and standing out from the crowd. Fittingly, the song was used in a Red Bull commercial about athletes excelling in their sport. “I Am” will pump you up and get you motivated to face your fears and take on the world.
18. Ditmas, Mumford and Sons
Mumford & Sons finally released Ditmas as a single right at the end of the year, making it the third Mumford release in 2015, and the third to make the top 40 in this countdown. Named after a neighborhood in Brooklyn where the track was recorded, Ditmas is a stand out track on an album that is filled with gems.
If someone has been hibernating for a year and not heard any of the new tracks on Wilder Mind, “Ditmas” would be the first track I would play for them, as it fully embodies the new direction that the band is taking. Gone are the days of banjo heavy tracks. Say hello to the new electric, rock and roll Mumford & Sons. A very, very warm welcome indeed.
17. Jackie & Wilson, Hozier
This is for all the naysayers who doubted that Hozier would be anything other than a one hit wonder after the smashing success of last year’s “Take Me to Church”. Not only has Hozier followed up “…Church” with “From Eden”, “Work Song”, and the recently released “Someone New”, this gem of a song has not even officially been released as a single, but it is still getting radio play.
“Jackie and Wilson” is Hozier’s homage to the late R&B singer, Jackie Wilson, whom he idolizes.
“We’ll name our children Jackie and Wilson, raise them on rhythm and blues”, is as much of a compliment as an artist can give to their inspirations. In fact, if Hozier can record another album as phenomenal as Hozier, I may feel the need to have a child and name him Hozier, and raise him on, well, Hozier.
16. Can’t Deny My Love, Brandon Flowers
“Can’t Deny My Love,” the debut single off Brandon Flowers’ sophomore solo album, The Desired Effect, is synth-pop rock at its very best. Not many people can
Brandon Flowers, arguably the most talented front man in music today, has proven that he can do it all, from writing killer (pardon the pun) songs, and flawlessly nailing vocals, to playing the keyboard, and even being the lead actor in his music videos.
All you Killers fans can take a deep breath, because they are expecting to begin work on their fifth studio album in 2016, and Brandon Flowers is sure to lead the guys to continued success.