Tag Archives: Cage the Elephant

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Top 100 Songs of 2017 (40-31)

Click here for songs 100-41

40. “One of Us” – New Politics

If the television show Friends was released in 2017, “One Of Us” could very well have been its theme song.

“Before the day is through, I promise you
That we will laugh about it all
And we’ll celebrate the things we’ve done for years to come
‘Cause that’s what friends, that’s what friends are for.”

The Danish rock trio, New Politics continue to impress year after year, and “One of Us” is a perfect example of how their upbeat and positive tracks are some of the most feel-good songs in music today.

39. “Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales” – Car Seat Headrest

“Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales” could easily be two songs pieced together. The first half is a chill, laid back jam that you could listen to while sipping a cold beverage by the pool in the summer. The second half is as electrifying as any other song in 2017, and begs for you to scream along.

The contrast between the two extremes is what makes “Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales” one of the most interesting songs on the radio today.

38. “Castle on the Hill” – Ed Sheeran

Who doesn’t love “Castle on the Hill? Well, besides Ed’s “friends” that “raised him.”

Such as…

  • His friend that is ALREADY on his second wife.
  • His friends that has two kids, BUT LIVES ALONE.
  • And his friend that is BARELY getting by.
  • His friend whose brother overdosed. (Imagine if that is the only thing that your really famous friend could think of to say about you.)

Regardless, “Castle on the Hill” is a beautiful homage to the place where Sheeran grew up, and is likely quite nostalgic to anyone that has moved away from their own hometown.

Hopefully, none of my best friends growing up ever become a pop superstar and write one line of a song about me. God only knows what they would choose to say.

37. “Thunder” – Imagine Dragons

The only thing that makes this song more fun to listen to, is to watch the video that goes along with it.

Could Imagine Dragon’s lead singer Dan Reynolds possibly get any cooler? If this song can’t pump you up, you better check your pulse because something isn’t pumping quite right in that cold, dead body of yours.

36. “One Foot” – WALK THE MOON

While WALK THE MOON may have a difficult task of ever topping their massive 2014 hit “Shut Up and Dance,” they sure as hell tried with this year’s “One Foot.”

It is big, and loud, full of energy, and exactly what we have come to expect from the Cincinnati band.

35. “Faded Heart” – BØRNS

If a song can possibly be classic, current, and futuristic at the same time, it is “Faded Heart,” the first song off BØRNS sophomore album, Blue Madonna (release date: January 12, 2018.)

Everything about the Grand Haven, MI native BØRNS is unique, from his style, look, voice, and even his name. “Faded Heart” is his best song to date, and if it’s any indication of what Blue Madonna is going to sound like, I will be one happy BØRNS fan on 1/12/18.

34. “Whole Wide World” – Cage the Elephant

Had this been a Cage the Elephant original, it would possibly have cracked the top 10. However, the song “Whole Wide World” was originally by a singer-songwriter that went by the name Wreckless Eric. It appeared in the 2006 Will Ferrell movie Stranger Than Fiction. (No points were deducted due to that unfortunate fact.)

Not that Cage the Elephant can do any wrong anyway, but they absolutely killed it with this modern version of the song about searching the world to find the love of your life.

33. “For What It’s Worth” – Liam Gallagher

“For What It’s Worth” is Liam Gallagher’s apology to people he has wronged along the way, and it is absolutely brilliant. While not specifically mentioning to whom he is sorry, he is a notorious bad boy, so I am sure he has plenty to be sorry for.

For what it’s worth, I don’t care who the younger Gallagher brother has wronged. And for what it’s worth, I don’t care what love-child Gallagher has never met. And for what it’s worth I don’t care if, as his brother has been noted saying, Liam is “the angriest man you will ever meet.”

Both Liam and Noel Gallagher are legends, and whether they are together in Oasis or doing their own things, I have nothing but hero worship for the both. Take that for whatever it’s worth.

32. “Basket Case” – Bastille

The best cover song of the year goes to Bastille’s version of Green Day’s 1994 mega-hit, “Basket Case.”

Not only was it the best cover of the year, but it was also the most underrated song of the year, and includes my pick for one of the best notes of the year. (2:03)

I am pretty sure for the 25-year anniversary of Green Day’s masterpiece, Dookie (which is coming up in just about 13 months. Yes, Dookie is almost TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OLD (!)) Bastille should just grab themselves a symphony and re-create the entire damn album.

31. “Don’t Take the Money” – Bleachers

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Top 100 Songs of 2016 (Part 9) #20-11

FOR THE FIRST EIGHT LISTS CLICK BELOW.

#100 – 91       #90-81     #80-71       #70-61       #60-51
#50-41      #40-31     #30-21

20. “Still Breathing” – Green Day

“Still Breathing,” by punk rock royalty, Green Day is about looking on the bright side even when you are down on your luck. Hey, your life may completely suck, but at least you’re not dead, right?

A gambler about to lose him last dime, a soldier that dodged a bullet on the battlefield, and a mother that is barely keeping it together are three of the characters Green Day uses to tell the story of survival.

“‘Cause I’m still breathing
‘Cause I’m still breathing on my own
My head’s above the rain and roses
Making my way away”

After 30 years as a band, Green Day has proven time and time again that just because they are getting older does not mean they can’t rock just as hard as when they were kids.

 

19. “Death Of A Bachelor” – Panic! At the Disco

Brendon Urie, lead singer of Panic! At the Disco, wrote “Death of a Bachelor” as a tribute to the late great Frank Sinatra, who would have turned 100 years old in 2015 (when the song was written.) Not only is it a tribute to Sinatra, but to the end of the era that died when he did.

“His music has been a major player in the soundtrack of my life. So it’s only right that I return the favor and/or pay it forward…Death Of A Bachelor” is very important to me. It expresses the bittersweet (but mostly sweet) end of an era. A look back at a part of my life now deceased. An “It’s A Wonderful Life”-esque look into a possibly different future. But mostly an appreciation for the present.”

“Death of a Bachelor” is vastly different from anything on the radio today, a tribute that Sinatra, and the rest of his rat pack buddies would be proud of.

18. “She’s Out Of Her Mind” – Blink 182

If the video for “She’s Out Of Her Mind” doesn’t make you feel nostalgic for 1999 nothing will. In their latest track off their album California, Blink 182 recreates their infamous video for “What’s My Age Again?” in which the boys in the band run through the streets causing ruckus while completely naked. This time, the video features three beautiful woman running through the streets and mimicking Mark, Tom, and Travis’ every move.

The song is so damn catchy though, that the video only adds to the enjoyment of having Blink 182 releasing their best music in over a decade. Blink 182 for comeback of the year!

17. “Nobody Wins” – Brian Fallon

If you are a fan of Gaslight Anthem, you are already familiar with Brian Fallon, the lead singer of the band (currently on an indefinite hiatus.) I was pretty distraught when I heard that Gaslight Anthem was parting ways, but Brian Fallon’s amazing album, Painkillers, was just what I needed to kill the pain.

Not only is this track, “Nobody Wins,” beautifully endearing and painfully honest, but it can hold a candle to just about any Gaslight Anthem song. Give it a listen, you will not be disappointed. DISCLAIMER: Ryan’s Countdowns’s is not responsible for you crying and embarrassing yourself in front of your co-workers. You should have waited until you got home to watch it.

 

16. “Run Or Hide” – Run River North”

Described as a Korean-American indie folk-rock band, Run River North formed in 2011 and had their biggest hit to date with 2016’s “Run Or Hide.”

“Run Or Hide” is big, loud, and dynamic. From the first listen you will be captivated, and every time thereafter. I will never “change my mind” about how good this song is, not “a million times,” and not even once.

15. “You & I” – Colony House

“Maybe the world isn’t crazy, maybe it’s you and I” sings Colony House in the first song off their debut album “Only The Lonely,” which is set to drop in January of 2017.

“In a time in history that feels so fragile we feel like this song takes a different perspective,” says the band about the radio friendly track. Colony House has a lot to live up to in 2017, and I for one, can’t wait to see them do it.

14. “Tidal Wave” – Taking Back Sunday

Yes, Taking Back Sunday is still around, and yes, they are still releasing insanely good music. “Tidal Wave” may be a little harder than you remember the “Makedamnsure” guys being, but it is just as damn catchy as anything they have ever put out there.

“Tidal Wave” is so good that I once spent an entire 90 minute car ride listening to the song on repeat, and trying to nail all of the lyrics without messing up. After an hour and a half I had perfected the vocals, and I still couldn’t wait to sing along with it again the next day.

13. “Trouble” – Cage, the Elephant

I am convinced that Cage the Elephant can do no wrong. Year after year they continue to release hit songs. While they have a style all of their own, they still manage to make each song unique in its own right. “Trouble” is one of the slower songs from Cage in recent years, but it just goes to show you that these guys are limitless.

12. “Shovels & Dirt” – The Strumbellas

https://youtu.be/blnHBfoYBT4

Continuing their campaign for “Band of the Year,” Canadian rockers, The Strumbellas just keep getting better. “Shovels & Dirt” is one of those songs that is impossible to not love. Seriously, if someone told me they didn’t love this song I would question their hearing, taste in music, sanity and why the hell I am talking to them in the first place.

The repeating phrase of “I put a banjo up into the sky/
It keeps us moving, it keeps us moving” and the way it leads the song to its climax, is arguably one of the best parts in music this year. I am desperately looking forward to what The Strumbellas come up with in 2017.

 

11. “Better Love” – Hozier

No artist today sings with more passion that Hozier. Upon first hearing, I brushed off “Better Love” as another movie soundtrack dud. But, after each additional listen, I fell in love with the song more and more.

Bottom line is, “Better Love” is not meant to be background music, it is meant to be an experience that makes you feel so hard it hurts. And nobody does that better than Hozier.

Top 10 Songs of 2016 Coming Tomorrow!

https://open.spotify.com/user/12126658687/playlist/1V6AzGMdx1Lc0TVuAVNakV

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Top 100 Songs of 2015 Part 4 (70-61)

Songs 100-91     Songs 90-81     Songs 80-71

70. Love Me, The 1975

“Love Me” is the first single off The 1975’s upcoming sophomore album due out in early 2016. The 1975 gained national attention with their 2013 self-titled debut album, and found great success with their hit single, “Chocolate.”

From the guitar hook intro, “Love Me” stands out from the rest of the songs on the radio today, and continues to demand your attention throughout the rest of the track. The bands name could not be more fitting, as “Love Me” will transport you back to the 70’s with their synth-pop rock, as this track in particular sounds like something David Bowie would produce today. In fact, David Bowie will be releasing his 25th studio album in January and has already released two tracks, in the event that anyone actually cares about 2016 David Bowie.

 

69. Made For You, Alexander Cardinale

Perhaps the most romantic song of the year, “Made For You” is bound to be the first dance at many wedding receptions this coming year. For all you non-romantics out there, if the song itself isn’t enough to induce nausea, the video should do the trick. Despite the God awful acting in the video, and the fact that the bench hasn’t moved in 80 years, the idea behind the video is touching even for the most miserable Grinch.

Regardless of your romantic side, Alexander Cardinale’s impeccable vocals and the songs catchiness collide to form a song that is nearly impossible to dislike.

68. Uh Huh, RØMANS

Looking at the lyrics to this song you would think it is a track off of Adele’s new album. But, fear not, this is no sappy break up song. If you gave Sam Smith a healthy dose of speed, I would imagine that this would be the type song that he would create. In fact, I challenge you to not think of Sam Smith on speed when giving this a listen.

The song begins with a saddened RØMAN, a 29 year old British singer, songwriter who recorded this track in his parents basement. When the calypso beat kicks in around the :55 mark, you quickly realize that this is no Adele/Sam Smith protégé and is in fact a unique, up and coming bloke from the other side of the pond presumably desperate to get out of his parents basement before reaching his thirties.

67. Another Night On Mars, The Maine

The Maine is an American rock band that formed in Tempe, Arizona back in 2007, and released American Candy, their fifth studio album back in March.

Whether you are in high school, college, your thirties, sixties, or anywhere in between, “Another Night in Mars” should resonate with some group of friends you have had during your life. Hopefully, they have not been forced to hold your hair back or drag you into/out of the shower one too many times, and came to the conclusion that being your friend may not be worth all the hard work and baby-sitting.

“Another Night on Mars” is a fun track that begs for a group of friends to form a circle, drape their arms across each other’s shoulders, and sway back and forth while completely butchering the words; preferably on a high school dance floor.

66. Honey, I’m Good, Andy Grammer

Was it one of the most overplayed songs of the year? Absolutely. But, was it also one of the catchiest songs of the year? You bet. From pre schoolers to the elderly, everyone loved singing along with Andy Grammer’s “Honey, I’m Good.”

The video features couples that have been together anywhere between a few months and 70 years, singing along and holding up numbers signifying how long they have been “committed” to each other. You can’t help but wonder how many wives forced their husbands to partake in the shoot, and how many of these people would actually say “no thanks, they’re good” to a hottie in a bar that wanted to hook up with them. But, it is a lovely concept, nevertheless.

 

65. Mess Around, Cage the Elephant

The first single off Tell Me I’m Pretty, Cage the Elephant’s fourth studio album (set for a December 18 release) is “Mess Around.” The album was produced by Dan Auerback, lead singer of The Black Keys, and it does not take a music expert to see the similarities. “Mess Around” could easily pass as a Black Keys song, but Cage the Elephant has just enough uniqueness and distinction that they make the song their own.

Because of the song’s “hang ten”, surf vibe, one would expect a music video along the lines of Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon in skimpy bathing suits gyrating on the beach.  The video, however, is basically a frightening “talkie” movie from the early 1900’s, which is bound to give you nightmares if you are anything like me.

64. Home, Dotan

Born in Jerusalem in 1986, Dotan Harpenau A.K.A. Dotan, grew up in Amsterdam and it wasn’t until he reached his twenties that he taught himself how to play the guitar and sing.

Known for producing his all of his own music, Dotan found massive success in Europe in 2014, particularly in Holland, with his hit “Home,” an upbeat track that sounds like it could be the latest Bastille hit. The build-up from the chanting of “we are coming home, we are coming home….” from the 3:07-3:51  mark is one of the most exciting parts of any song in 2015, and the climax of the song at 3:52 satisfies all the anticipation and all expectations.

While Dotan is not big in the States yet, expect “Home” to slowly gain exposure, and introduce the country to this brilliant singer-songwriter with the potential to make some big waves in 2016.

63. Saint Cecilia, Foo Fighters

Just when you thought the Foo Fighters were taking a break and resting their ailing bodies, not only do they release an amazing EP, but they release it for FREE, and dedicate it to the victims of the terrorists attacks in Paris.

The EP, Saint Cecilia was an impromptu recording session that happened as the band was staying at Saint Cecilia luxury hotel in Austin, TX. Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of music and poetry.

One may think that “Saint Cecilia” would not have the quality we have come to expect from the band, simply because it was “thrown together” so quickly. This is not the case, as “Cecilia” is loud, gritty, passionate Foo Fighters at their best, and proves that they are one of, if not the, best band making music today.

62. Let Me Down Easy, Sheppard

Before Australian band Sheppard found great success in the States last year with their hit “Geronimo,” the band released “Let Me Down Easy,” way back in 2012 (in Australia) on their EP Sheppard. The band finally decided to release it internationally in January of 2015, and while it did  not reach the level of success as “Geronimo” here in the States, it is just as enjoyable.

Despite the fact that it is about being dumped by a girlfriend, “Let Me Down Easy” may be one of the most fun songs of the year. Easy to sing along to, and upbeat, the song is bound to help you forget about all your woes, if only for a few short minutes.

61. Roots, Imagine Dragons

In one of their darkest releases to date, Imagine Dragons proves that they can do it all. “Roots” is about the highs and lows of being successful musicians, and specifically about finding an escape and remembering where you came from during a crazy tour schedule.

It lacks some of the pop-rock that Imagine Dragons may be known for, but in its place is a rap-rock sound that works, seemingly effortlessly.

 

Songs 60-51 Friday!