12.31.2011 All You Need Is Love #2– Best and Worst Songs of 2011
Cameron Love | Dec 31, 2011 | Comments 1
Yes, that’s right. I have taken on the daunting task of picking the ten best (and the five worst) songs of the year 2011. It was a semi-difficult process, but with help from my Spotify and iTunes libraries I was able to make it through without any scars. Just kidding, it was actually pretty fun to go back through the year and see what happened musically. From Adele’s massive success to Toby Keith’s massive stupidity, it’s been a pretty interesting year in music. Note that not all these songs technically were released in 2011; I just went by if it had a heavy radio, YouTube, etc, presence during the year. (Some were released at the end of 2010.) Also, if you want to listen to the songs, just click on the title and you will be taken to the music video. (Oh, technology). If you would like to listen to the songs as a playlist, I made one on Spotify that you can get to by clicking… 2011 Best/Worst Songs of the Year. Alright, let’s get to it!
(And yes, the songs are in order of my favoritism towards them.)
1. “Shake it Out” Florence + the Machine
You probably know Florence Welch, the lead singer of the group, because of her smash “Dog Days Are Over” from last year, but with her new record Ceremonials, she proves she is anything but a one hit wonder. This song is full of heavy drumming and gospel like vocals, with inventive lyrics about forgetting and forgiving mistakes you or someone else has made in the past. On top of it all, Florence Welch’s voice really shines in the song.
Best line: “And it’s hard to dance with a devil on your back; so shake him off”
On paper, this probably shouldn’t be on this list, but in reality is 3 minutes and twenty seconds of bubblegum pop-rap awesomeness. This is probably my most listened song to the year, and I have constantly listened to it on repeat, and have no guilt about it. The rap verses, however silly, are catchy and full of great lyrics (“yes you’ll get slapped if you’re looking hoe”, “I mean my my my my you’re like pelican fly”). Once it gets to the chorus, it’s almost impossible not to “boom badoom boom boom badoom boom bass” along with Ms. Minaj.
Best line: “You’re like slicker than the guy with the thing on his eye—OH!”
3. “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger)” Kelly Clarkson
Four words: this is my jam. The second single from Clarkson’s latest album Stronger is packed with plenty of power vocals and a dynamic chorus. What’s even better is that not only is it a catchy pop song but also contains a great message to fans: when life knocks you down get back up and yell stronger at the top of your lungs. A little fist pumping and a flash mob never hurts either, as is obvious in the song’s music video.
Best line: “Think you left me broken down, think that I’ll come running back? Baby you don’t know me cause you’re dead wrong.”
4. “Poison and Wine” The Civil Wars
The Civil Wars came bursting onto the music scene this year with their debut album, Barton Hollow, a combination of folk and alternative. Think of the duo (named Joy Williams and John White) as if Sugarland decided to go alternative-folk and instead of Jennifer Nettles singing it was Allison Krauss. Although their big hit that got them a lot of recognition was “Barton Hollow” I prefer this slower ballad, a haunting song about trying to give up someone you know is a bad idea but still loving them anyway.
Best line: “I don’t love you but I always will.”
Let’s face it, Lady Gaga is known for her crazy costumes, weird performances, and loving gay people. One thing that often gets forgotten is how she is also a great musician, and this song kindly reminds everyone of how talented she is. Written about her grandfather’s passing, the lyrics speak of living your life right and if you do about the “edge of glory that will come along”. Even cooler is the fact that this was Clarence Thomas’s (sax player from Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street Band) last recording before his unfortunate death. Although the recorded version is good, the best version of the song is when it is played live and it’s just Gaga and a piano.
Best line: “I’m on the edge with you”
This is basically T-swizzle’s go-suck-it-haters song, and I couldn’t love it more. Instead of writing a lyrically abstract song she just straight up tells her critics that they are liars. And pathetic. And alone in life. And mean. Then it became a massive hits not just on the country charts but also on pop radio. Talk about #winning.
Best line: “Someday I’ll be living in a big ole city, and all you’re ever gonna be is mean.”
If it was anyone’s year in music, it was Adele’s. Her sophomore album, 21 was the bestselling album of the year, (more than 5 million copies sold in the US alone, and she was 2% of the entire music industry in terms of sales which is insanely insane), and not only was it well received by buyers, but also loved by everyone. You like her, your mother likes her, your gay uncle, your ten year old sister, everyone loves Adele. Of her two mega hits this year (“Rolling in the Deep” being the other one) I prefer this one—such great lyrics, and her voice shines.
Best line: “Nothing compares no worries or cares, regrets or mistakes they are memories made; who would have known how bittersweet this would taste.”
8. “Pumped Up Kicks” Foster the People
A catchy, alternative, whistling tune about _______________ that turned into a massive hit. If asked to put words into the blank, some would say love. Or a breakup. In reality, the answer is… kids shooting each other! Although it sounded peppy enough, the actual lyrics to the song by up and coming alt-band Foster the People is indeed about kids being involved with guns and shootings. Still, the beat and musicality is great, and the irony that the tune is so upbeat even about something so terrible is kind of great.
Best line (most memorable in this case): “All the other kids with the pumped up kicks, better run, better run, out run my gun.”
9. “Brighter than the Sun” Colbie Caillat
If there was a song to describe what everyone loved about summer and life and being in love, it would be this song. It’s as if Colbie Callat decided to write a song about being happy. I can’t even listen to this song without singing along and by the end I’m a little bit happier. THE song of summer 2011.
Best line: “But who am I to tell love where it’s supposed to go.”
10. “In Your Arms” Kina Grannis
I’m not sure if this song actually came out in 2011 or not, but I am counting it because this was the year it caught fire and became a hit. Kina Grannis is a hardworking Youtube musician who has released an independent album, and up until this song became a hit, was basically unheard of. Then jelly beans happened. What do I mean by that? Herself and her crew spent three years making a music video where everything besides her and her guitar is made of jelly beans. It’s amazing. And the fact that the song is an adorable little indie ditty gives it extra points.
Best line: “I remember feeling like this part of us would never change.”
Honorable Mention:
“Every Teardrop is a Waterfall” Coldplay
Worst Songs of 2011
It’s like someone challenged him to make a song dumber than “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue”. Challenge met and then some.
I know there are lyrics to this song but all I hear is whine whine whine whine whine the entire song. Just not a Lil Wayne fan– at all.
It’s not a coincidence that you are dancing like you are dumb, so please just stop with your music career. While you are at it, take a shower.
“Pretty Girl Rock” Keri Hilson
Hey Keri. My name is Cameron and I’m so very sick of hearing this terrible excuse of a song it’s scary.
“Just Can’t Get Enough” Black Eyed Peas
Actually I had enough after the first minute. But thanks for your concern Fergie and will.i.am and whatever the other two are called.
Filed Under: All you need is Love • Blogs • Breaking News
About the Author: Cameron Love is a fourth semester Journalism senior. This semester, he is the executive editor. When not in school, Cameron plays on the soccer team. He is also a member of the Academic Team, National Honors Society, and is the president of the Beta Club. He hopes to attend UK, WKU, or NKU and major in Journalism. His favorite song of the moment, Superbass, has nine letters in it.
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Most excellent review. Thnx! Love new music!