best of 2011: Songs of the YearROLLING IN THE DEEP- Adele
I first heard this song when that frizzy-haired girl sung it on American Idol. I thought, "what a retro, throwback-sounding thing." Then I heard it with Adele's voice. Then I saw the video. Then I bough Adele's CD, and began liking her other songs. But as far away as I divert away from it, the song is lightning in a bottle- the story goes that Adele went into the studio in tears as she was still not over her break-up. This was her "fuck you" kiss off to her former man. But if you wanna wallow in self pity after break up, please refer to that other hit. You know, Someone Like You.
Other hot songs this year.....
PARTY ROCK ANTHEM- LMFAO featuring Goon Rock and Lauren Bennet
I dig any track that brings people together in a club. But dammit, shuffling ain't easy, you know. Unless you're a skinny 14 year old Mat/Minah Rempit who snuck into the club for free.
PUMPED UP KICKS- FOSTER THE PEOPLE
Not since Fall Out Boy's "Sugar, We're Going Down" six years ago has there been a firearm-themed hit so high up in the charts.
And not since Third Eye Blind's 1997 hit Semi Charmed Life has there been a catchy tune about an illicit activity. While Third Eye Blind crooned about, "Doing crystal meth will lift you up until you break", Foster the People sang, "you better run, better run, outrun my gun....." freaky shit.
GOOD LIFE - ONE REPUBLIC
Ryan Tedder has such a 'lunak merdu' voice that he could make any song sound good. On Good Life, he's the consummate (pop)rock star who wakes up suddenly in London with strange pictures on his cell phone. With lyrics like that, Tedder is the king of the PG13 equivalent to the drugs, sex and rock'n roll lifestyle.
SOMEONE LIKE YOU - ADELE
The best video to accompany this song was not the black and white clip shot in Paris by Jake Nava. Nope. I loved the US TV show Saturday Night Live version. Imagine actress Kristin Wiig making ugly faces while mourning her temperamental parakeets. I get. I feel it. And I want in.
ON THE FLOOR- Jennifer Lopez featuring Pitbull
Aiyo, the former Mrs Marc Anthony could definitely fill up the dance floors with techno-happy music with a latino flavour.
It has been eight years since Lopez has had a number one hit on Billboard. So it was nice to see her back on top, albeit sampling the 1989 Kaoma track "Chorando Se Foi (Lambada)".
But heck, dance music is not about credibility. It's about ability to shake that bootie.
BORN THIS WAY- Lady Gaga
As with other dance anthems last year, Lady Gaga joined the bandwagon by going all Euro-techno pop on us. The difference is her lyrics about self-confidence and great sense of melody.
Oh yeah, my hips swerve whenever I hear the beat to this one. I know clubbers in one Kuching club dance on table tops when this song came on. Me likey.
PARADISE - Coldplay
Coldplay combined rock and rave on that other track," Every Teardrop is a waterfall". But this second single from the Myloto Xyloto album transported our heads into another world. From Chris Martin's high-pitched "woo...oooh ooohs" to his story about some disappointed girl who dreams up fantasies at night, the song is fantasy to the max. Teh girl in the song is an updated revised of the girl mentioned in their 2005 hit "Fix You": that they are quite feminine with their protagonists, but have much mass appeal.
ANIMAL- Neon Trees
Here we go again/ I kinda wanna be more than friends...and that's how a fun song should sound like in this hectic world of social media and constant distraction.
It has been eight years since Lopez has had a number one hit on Billboard. So it was nice to see her back on top, albeit sampling the 1989 Kaoma track "Chorando Se Foi (Lambada)".
But heck, dance music is not about credibility. It's about ability to shake that bootie.
BORN THIS WAY- Lady Gaga
As with other dance anthems last year, Lady Gaga joined the bandwagon by going all Euro-techno pop on us. The difference is her lyrics about self-confidence and great sense of melody.
Oh yeah, my hips swerve whenever I hear the beat to this one. I know clubbers in one Kuching club dance on table tops when this song came on. Me likey.
PARADISE - Coldplay
Coldplay combined rock and rave on that other track," Every Teardrop is a waterfall". But this second single from the Myloto Xyloto album transported our heads into another world. From Chris Martin's high-pitched "woo...oooh ooohs" to his story about some disappointed girl who dreams up fantasies at night, the song is fantasy to the max. Teh girl in the song is an updated revised of the girl mentioned in their 2005 hit "Fix You": that they are quite feminine with their protagonists, but have much mass appeal.
ANIMAL- Neon Trees
Here we go again/ I kinda wanna be more than friends...and that's how a fun song should sound like in this hectic world of social media and constant distraction.
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