With 2011 slowly fading into the rearview mirror and with the dawn of 2012, I figured now would be as good a time as any for another cliche year-end list. Below is a list of my favorite 20 songs of 2011. It’s not to be confused with the best songs of 2011 because, as with every top 20 list, it’s an imperfect one. Nevertheless, it’s a list of songs I connected the most with in 2011.
20. Foster the People, “Pumped Up Kicks”
Easily the most misunderstood pop song since Third Eye Blind’s “Semi-Charmed Life”. Apparently this songs is about a deranged teenager going on a killing spree at a suburban shopping mall. Who knew? I blame the happy melody for the all the confusion.
19. Beastie Boys, “Make Some Noise”
Funky beats, lyrical rhymes and the best music video of 2011. Welcome back, Boys!
18. Childish Gambino, “Heartbeat”
There are very few songs on my list that the Average Joe can’t appreciate. But I can understand if it’s hard to come around on this one. It took me a while, too. A half-club-half-rap song about… post break-up sex?
17. The Strokes, “Under the Cover of Darkness”
I’ve always been kind of indifferent towards The Strokes. But after watching them open up for Pearl Jam at PJ20, I walked away with a new appreciation. It wasn’t long after the show that I downloaded this song, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
I love this song, yet I’m not sure how to accurately explain it. It’s like a meshing of 80s electronic, disco, and saxophone? You’ll have to listen for yourself.
15. The Naked and Famous, “Punching In a Dream”
The Naked and Famous make some really good electronically infused pop music that sounds rather Passion Pit-y. I’m a fan.
14. Y.C. feat. Future, “Racks”
“I got racks on racks on racks, racks on racks on racks.” The first time I heard this song I was in a friend’s car headed to pool party in Omaha, and I had no idea what the hell racks meant. I’m not going to lie, I felt pretty old and… white. But apparently this song is about stacking money. By the way, how much money constitutes a rack? Is there a standard for this sort of thing? Rap scholars feel free to chime in.
13. Eli Young Band, ” Crazy Girl”
Every time I hear this song I think of my wife Ashley belting it out at the top of her lungs. Crazy girl, don’t you know that I love you?
12. Rihanna feat. Jay-Z, “Talk That Talk”
When Rihanna sang “‘Till the game ends, ’till the clock stops. We gon’ post up on the top spot.” She wasn’t messing around. The bonafide hit maker is at again. This time she re-unites with Jay -Z to create one of my favorite pop tracks of 2011.
11. Red Hot Chili Peppers, “The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie”
The masters of funk rock return with swagger and just enough cowbell to make Christopher Walken happy. And no, I’m not kidding.
10. Nicki Minaj, “Super Bass”
An edgy pop song that inspired one of the best YouTube covers of the year.
A beautifully written song that captures the hurt and anger of losing somebody you love. “My best friend’s long gone, but I got runner ups, I don’t know if it’s real, but it’s how I feel.”
8. Cold War Kids, “Royal Blue”
A pop song with a killer bass line that will undoubtedly lead CWK into the main stream.
7. Jay-Z & Kanye West, “Ni**as in Paris”
The song that spawned the 2011 catch phrase, “that shit cray”. By the way, why is it whenever I listen to a Jay or Kanye song I somehow feel I’m being duped?
In 2011, I don’t think there was another song that I enjoyed singing along to more. “My body tells me no, but I won’t quit ’cause I want more, ’cause I want more. Come on, give it a try, I know you want to.”
5. The Alabama Shakes, ” Hold On”
A blues-based southern rock song with an Aretha Franklin clone (Britney Howard) on vocals. Impressive, to say the least.
4. Foster the People, “Helena Beat”
A dance/electro/rock song with dark lyrics that picks up where “Pumped Up Kicks” left off. Two thumbs up!
3. The Black Keys, “Lonely Boy”
A gritty rock song about falling for a girl with daddy issues. Plus, a music video that features some serious dance moves. What’s not to like?
This song was actually released on a 2009 EP, which should probably disqualify it’s inclusion on my list. I mean, come on, what is this, the Grammys? But since the song was re-released in 2011 on the bands full length album “The Big Roar” I decided to count it anyways. It’s my list, dammit!
1. The Naked and Famous, “Young Blood”
It’s been almost a year since I first heard this song on iTunes and the opening beat still gives me chills. It wasn’t long after hearing the single “Young Blood” that I purchased their full length album “Passive me, Aggressive You”. And let’s just say I’ve yet to get a case of buyer’s remorse.
