People aren't going to like my list, mostly because it doesn't inlclude any Animal Collective [17], Grizzly Bear [18] or Girls. Sorry, go slobber over SPIN's list [19]--which was predictable and incredibly obnoxious. My list isn't about album recognition. This list complies the top 10 songs that rocked my year from beginning to end. That's it--cut and dry.
[**NOTE** The List is not ranked in order of awesome-ness]
1) "Bad Romance," by Lady Gaga [20]
This song burst in the Fall, but didn't take long to emerge as one of the best pop songs of the year. It has it all: crashing hooks, thumping bass lines and Gaga being Gaga. Not to mention it's an instant crowd pleaser at parties.
2) "Little Secrets," by Passion Pit [21]
This song doesn't get enough credit because most feel Passion Pit has already gone mainstream and isn't worth mentioning anymore. To hell with that. "Little Secrets" amps you up like a high-powered rock anthem before a football game--with less beer bellies and nacho cheese.
3) "Empire State of Mind," by Jay-Z [22] featuring Alicia Keys [23]
This song is the most-overplayed of the year, but for good reason. Jay-Z is a timeless wonder and still goes hard like the king of hip-hop. If you don't hear this song at a bar, you're in a twilight zone.
4) "Stillness is the Move," by Dirty Projectors [24]
This song might be a more acquired taste, but it's hard not give the nod since it's pretty hard to make acapella rock so hard.
5) "Crown on the Ground," by Sleigh Bells [25]
Sleigh Bells are still a bit of an unknown, at least outside of New York City, but "Crown on the Ground" seethes with adrenaline and grit.
6) "Best I Ever Had," by Drake [26]
It helps to have Lil' Wayne and other hip-hop moguls behind your back, but it means a hell of a lot more to come out guns-a-blazin' with "Best I Ever Had."
7) "Make Her Say," by Kid Cudi [27] featuring Common [28], Kanye West [29] and Lady Gaga
Aren't ya'll glad he's coming next semester to perform?
8) "Die Slow," by HEALTH [30]
It's loud, it's hurts and it doesn't even make sense half the time. These guys are like the David Lynch of indie-metal. In all all honesty, this is the only song I can stand, but it's a goodie.
9) "1901" by Phoenix [31]
Great band. Great album. Great song. What's more to say?
10) "Life Magazine," by Cold Cave [32]
Like Sleigh Bells, Cold Cave is a late-bloomer this year. Hit-single "Life Magazine" is the best song you've never heard this year.
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Listen to Cold Cave's "Life Magazine:"
