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!