December 2011
10 posts
7 tags
Top Ten Songs of 2011: No. One
Stranger To Love (Sonyae Elise, Brian Judah) from Bravo’s Platinum Hit
My number one song from 2011 is actually a song not too many people have heard of. Earlier this year, Bravo aired Platinum Hit, the songwriting equivalent of Top Chef and Project Runway. Hosted by Jewel and co-judged by Kara Dioguardi, the show was an unexpected surprise.
Written by Sonyae Elise and Brian Judah,...
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Top Ten Songs of 2011: No. Two
Frank Ocean – Swim Good by Frank Ocean
Nostalgia, Ultra was an unexpected surprise for me this year. Frank Ocean completely blows my mind. He’s one of few people who makes surrealism work in his lyrics. He also puts Autotune to work rather than letting it dominate his sound. This man makes art out of music.
Singing about heartbreak, breaking hearts, (possibly suicide) and leaving his old...
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Top Ten Songs of 2011: No. Three
I Care by Beyoncé
I doubt I’m the only one who feels that Beyoncé’s growth as an artist is nothing short of extraordinary(and another one snubbed by the Grammys.). 4 is her most refined set of work yet and a sterling exhibit of how much range this woman has.
I already loved I Care the first time I heard it, but watching her performance the night Live at Roseland: Elements of...
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Top Ten Songs of 2011: No. Four
One And Only by Adele
2011, without a doubt, was Adele’s year. 21 dominated charts with a total of 13 weeks on top of the Billboard 200 and may very well earn a 14th. One and Only opens up with those gorgeous Pop-Gospel chords that take me back to my roots, growing up in church.
I love every single thing about this song, especially because the bridge takes such a dramatically different...
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Top Ten Songs of 2011: No. Five
Otis by Jay Z, Kanye West and Otis Redding
I think seeing two Rap songs in my top ten favorites would probably surprise anyone who knows me personally. When Otis dropped before Watch The Throne even hit stores, I went crazy. Sampling Otis Redding’s classic Try a Little Tenderness, this song soars.
You can hear how much fun ‘Ye and Jay are having. I can’t help but bop my head...
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Top Ten Songs of 2011: No. Six
Who You Are by Jessie J
I was introduced to Jessie J’s music about a year ago now and was eagerly awaiting her debut album Who You Are. This girl’s voice is unbelievable and her personality is lovably quirky. While the album didn’t come together as neatly as I was hoping(I still think she was snubbed for Best New Artist), it’s filled with songs I’ll be playing for...
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Top Ten Songs of 2011: No. Seven
Made In America by Jay-Z, Kanye West and Frank Ocean
Until recently, I’ve only had my foot in the Hip-Hop pool, partially because my former religious beliefs had polarized me against it for so many years. It’s taken a long time for me to become comfortable enough to listen to some of it. Watch the Throne marks the first time I’ve sat through a new Rap album from start to...
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Top Ten Songs of 2011: No. Eight
Shake It Out by Florence + The Machine
Florence + The Machine is one of those acts who reaffirm my faith in the power of music. Florence Welch’s voice practically transports you to a world where music is like food and water.
From her recently released album Ceremonials, Shake It Out stands out for me. It comes right out of the gate strong and maintains forward momentum right through the...
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Top Ten Songs of 2011: No. Nine
Hear My Call by Jill Scott
Jill Scott is my girl. Few sing with as much attitude and passion as she does and still look great doing it. The Light of the Sun is easily one of my favorite albums, ever. I’m still surprised she didn’t garner a Grammy nomination.
Hear My Call, written by Scott and JR Hutson, is the song that grabs my attention every single run through the album and ends...
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Top Ten Songs of 2011: No. Ten
I’ve been having trouble clearing my mind enough to reflect on all that’s happened in 2011. So, to get on track, I’m doing my own personal Top Ten Songs for 2011. All links point to Spotify. If you don’t have it, you really should.
Number Ten: Coffee by Ledisi
I have so much love for Ledisi. Hands down, one of the most phenomenal voices on Earth. Belter of notes...
