I can’t believe another year is almost over. I guess it’s time to reflect and what better topic than music. All these songs were not major hits on the Billboard top 100, nonetheless they were my favorites of 2007.
My Favorite Songs
12. Relax, Take it Easy- Mika
I feel like I may be jumping on the bandwagon; it seems like overnight everyone is a Mika, Mika fan. But, I do like him; this should come as no surprise; he is entire album is classic eighties; so of course, I love it. ‘Relax’ is my favorite track and my 12th favorite song of 2007.
11. Tambourine- Eve
When I heard this song this summer, I wanted to jump out of my seat and shake my derriere in the house of Dareon (hope I spelled that right, sorry B). This is such a party song. Eve really out did herself on this track. I think she is one of the few female rap vocalists that can hold her own on a club track. Two thumbs up for EVE and that’s why ‘Tambourine’ is my 11th favorite song of 2007
10. Home- Daughtry
One word really describes this song for me, sappy. Daughtry really captures the emotion you feel, when you just want to go home. I felt that way at about 2:30am, drunk at a popular club here in town. There was a really scary female impersonator on stage. Her name was, well I won’t be crass and mention any names, but she recently won a contest. I’ve heard some describe that occasion saying, “she was crowned.” Hmmmm….it’s my 10th favorite song of 2007
9. Tears Dry on Their Own- Amy Winehouse
If you don’t own Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black disc (by the way 6 Grammy nominations—know may be the time to clean up your act Amy) you probably haven’t heard this song. But, it was released; it may have fared better in Europe, than it did here. However, it is a great song. I love it because it’s so unapologetic and that’s why it’s my 9th favorite song of 2007
8. No One- Alicia Keys
Powerful is the word that comes to mind when I hear this song. Alicia Keys voice is amazing. She is known for her vocal talent, but I truly believe this song sealed the deal. If you were a doubter, then this song should make you a believer, and that’s why this song is my 8th favorite of 2007.
7. Last Night- Diddy- Featuring Keyshia Cole,
I think this was my absolute favorite dance song of the summer. Aside from Diddy’s dry monotone delivery, that hard-hitting driving beat and Keyshia Cole’s vocals really brought this song to life. Cole was the only reason this song was successful; Diddy couldn’t carry a song if his life depended on it. Thanks Miss Keyshia Cole, you gave Diddy a hit and that’s why this song is my 7th favorite of 2007
6. Big Girls Don’t Cry- Fergie
Fergie’s attempt at showing some substance was received well after she flaunted her London Bridges, told us how Fergalicious “it” was, and praised the life of extravagance in Glamorous. ‘Big Girls’ was a stark contrast from her three previous singles in that she showed some vulnerability. Way to go Fergie, and that’s why ‘Big Girls’ is my 6th favorite song of 2007.
5. 1234- Fiest
I love this song; I love the childlike rhyme and with Fiest’s haunting voice create the perfect combination. And if you haven’t caught the Fiest bug yet, check out her CD; you’ll love it.
4. The Creeps- Camille Jones
This song has the most intoxicating hand clap beat; you can’t help but get drunk on the hypnotic sound. Jones’s voice, although not the strongest vocal, this song doesn’t really need it. She could really be saying anything. And virtually does; it is the beat the drives this song. ‘Creeps’ is probably one of the more underrated songs of the year, which is why I included it on my list of favorites.
3. Umbrella- Rihanna-
What can I say about this song that probably has not already been said? Like most, it was the sheepish “eh eh eh” repetition really made the song for me. I don’t know; I guess I like sheep.
I had a tie for the # 2 Spot
2. Timbaland- The Way I Are
The best synthesizer fest of 2007 and that’s about all I can say.
2. Makes Me Wonder- Maroon 5
Feel free to disagree, but I think this is the most melodic song of 2007. Although this song is really too popish for the group, I do think it was the right kind of song, a great blend of pop and soul for their sophomore effort.
# 1. Who Knew- Pink It may seem odd that my number one pick for 2007 is a song that was actually released in 2006, but Pink re-released the single in 07 after the success of U + UR Hand, her third single from the ‘I’m not Dead’ album. ‘Who Knew’ made it to # 9 on Billboard this past fall. I love everything about this song, the melody, the lyrics, the subtle and simple beat; this song captures all that you could ever want to say about or to a lost love. It’s one of those songs you hear and think, “I can really relate,” “Or I’ve been in that situation.” So, thanks Pink for packaging sentimental feelings so nicely and that’s why ‘Who Knew’ is my number 1 pick for 2007.
My Favorite Albums
12. Matchbox Twenty- Exile on Mainstream
11. Blake Lewis- Audio Day Dream
10. Duran Duran- Red Carpet Massacre
9. Timbaland- Shock Value
8. Joss Stone- Introducing Joss Stone
7. James Morrison- Undiscovered
6. Rihanna- Good Girl Gone Bad/ Maroon 5- It Won’t Be Soon Before Long
5. Annie Lennox- Songs of Mass Destruction
4. Carrie Underwood- Carnival Ride
3. Amy Winehouse – Back to Black
2. Alicia Keys- As I Am
1. Alice Smith- For Lovers, Dreamers, & Me
Each one of these albums is always on heavy rotation in my CD player or IPod. They are all different, better beats on some, better lyrics on others, but what makes them all my favorites; each of the album’s titles accurately defines the artist as they are presented, in other words the titles are effective and fitting metaphors, which seem to be hard to come by in pop music, today. Ok, let me explain. ‘Exile on Mainstream’ Matchbox Twenty’s latest album is a fitting title for a group that has produced some of the best mainstream pop songs of the 90s. In fact, ‘Exile’ is really a greatest hits album—including all their previous hits and six new songs. So to be exiled on mainstream, for me simply means the group is paying homage to the sound and era that made them popular, thus praising mainstream pop. ‘Audio Day Dream’ [refer to my review], but the short version, ADD seems to represent an aspect of Lewis’s personality, one in which an array of music swims through his head. Thus, an album of eclectic sounds is produced. ‘Red Carpet Massacre’ doesn’t that just sound like an eighties pop album title, this is not a bad thing; in fact it works well for Duran Duran. It effectively describes the iconic eighties pop group’s venture into contemporary music. I really do enjoy this album; I am just afraid the younger kids won’t listen because they might think the DD boys are not cool enough. But, with an updated sound they still make my list. ‘Shock Value’ gosh, again what more can I say. The album is a good mixture of styles; Timbaland probably shocked himself with his own greatness. Timbaland is defiantly the man of the hour; I just wonder if his hour will turn into a quick 15 minutes. A piece of advice, start turning artist down; keep you sound for a selected few. Look at some of the great producers whom came before you. They made their sound and mark with a few artists. ‘Introducing Joss Stone’ Introducing Joss, I didn’t need an introduction; her first album ‘The Soul Sessions’ made me an instant fan; the girl can sing-sang. But, the title is very fitting because we are introduced to a young female vocalist whose sound and lyrics matured so gracefully. She is a star on the rise, thus “introducing” her again to the world was very appropriate. If you haven’t heard of James Morrison, think Terence Trent D’Arby meets Johnny Lang meets Elliot Yamin. If that still doesn’t conjure any pictures of his voice, just go get the CD. It’s one of the best blue-eyed soul albums that I’ve heard in awhile. The title of his CD ‘Undiscovered’ is fitting because most people won’t recognize his name, in that sense he’s still undiscovered, but you make recognize and come to love his soulful raspy voice. And, if you are still skeptical, go download ‘Wonderful World’ and ‘You give Me Something.’ ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’- I can see why Rihanna opted for a title like this to describe her third CD, it is a break away from some of the more sugary sweet pop she produced on her first recordings, although the term ‘bad’ may be a stretch. Some of the songs, the first 5 do seem to represent a shift in her image. ‘it Won’t Be Soon Before Long,’ what the hell does that mean, right? Well, hopefully it’s a subtle message to their fans that it won’t be long before they get back to the kind of music they produced on their first record. Not to suggest that I didn’t like this album, I do; in fact, I love it; I just think ‘Songs about Jane’ was much better. ‘Songs of Mass Destruction’ isn’t this a sort of menacing title; I thought, why in the world would she describe her latest album in such a way? But, after listening to it for a while, I can see the destructive dark spots. Lennox is the kind of activist protest singer, the ones’ whom seem to feel obligated to use music to spread a political message. I don’t have a problem with that at all. I think there is a time and place for it and who better than Ms. Lennox. ‘Carnival Ride’ well, looking at Carrie Underwood’s career, it’s been a virtual carnival ride. Recently named the most successful idol—selling over 10 million records worldwide, I can’t think of a more fitting album title. ‘Back to Black,’ considering the soulful doo-wop sounds of most the album, ‘Back to Black seems to work well. She really evokes such a soulful feeling into each song, reminiscent of the Motown era. ‘As I Am’ Miss Keys really delivers on this CD. It does truly reflect who and what she is as an artist. And last, but certainly not least, my new favorite, ‘For Lovers, Dreamers, & Me’ I fell like she is such a muse within popular music and deserves number one status.
