“LA Devotee,” the latest single from Vegas band, Panic! At the Disco, is based on lead singer (and the bands only current member,) Brendon Urie’s admiration of Los Angeles. It’s about someone being so in love with the city that they would do anything it takes to survive there.
“LA Devotee” is exactly what one would expect from Panic! as it is loud, catchy, and a hell of a lot of fun to sing along with. Apparently there is no need to Panic!, Urie seems to have this band thing down all by himself.
49. “World Gone Mad” – Bastille
“World Gone Mad” is the most appropriate song of the year, as it is about the mess of a world that we are currently living in. For the most part, 2017 was a complete disaster, and Bastille summarized it perfectly in just 3 minutes and 16 seconds.
48. “Sober Up” – AJR (feat. Rivers Cuomo)
https://youtu.be/J518lHntgow
The happiest-go-luckiest song ever written about trying to get sober is thanks to Weezer frontman, Rivers Cuomo, following Ryan from AJR on Twitter. This led to a discussion of AJR being big Weezer fans, and next thing you know, “Sober Up” was born.
In summary… AJR is really making a well deserved name for themselves in the alt-rock world. And Rivers Cuomo is a living legend in the alt-rock world.
47. “Heavydirtysoul” – Twenty One Pilots
The “House of Gold” that Twenty One Pilots sang about a few years back better be gigantic because everything they touch, turns to gold. “Heavydirtysoul” is yet another notch on their belts, which helps solidify them as the current day gods of alternative hip-hop.
46. “Reverend” – Kings of Leon
“Reverend” is arguably Kings of Leon’s best song in nearly a decade. While it is very radio-friendly, it is not over-produced, nor does it seem “pop-ified” to make it radio-friendly.
I could give my interrpretation of what the song is about, but q interviewed the Followill brothers to ask them specifically about the meaning of the song. Listen to the interview below.
Nashville natives, COIN explore the art of grungy/country Nashville for the second single off their sophomore album How Will You Know If You Never Try.
Their 2016 hit “Talk Too Much” did its job of putting COIN on the map in the alr-rock world. “I Don’t Wanna Dance” is their way of proving to that same world that they are not just “that band with that one song.”
44. “Edge of Darkness” – Greta Van Fleet
Led Zeppelin + The Darkness + Guns N’ Roses = Greta Van Fleet
“Edge of Darkness” is the epitome of pure rock and roll. If Greta Van Fleet (which consists of three Kiszka brothers and a friend) were around back in 1969 not only would they have performed at Woodstock, but they would have been able to close the show with this epic, powerhouse track that you can easily enjoy no matter what generation you are a part of.
If this band doesn’t become a household name by the end of 2018, I give up all hope for music, and for the world.
43. “Mercy” – Lewis Capaldi
You heard it here first, folks. Lewis Capaldi, the 21-year-old Scottish lad, is about to explode on the pop-rock scene in 2018.
With a raspy, gritty voice, powerful lyrics, and enough emotion to make even the biggest Scrooge sympathize, you can’t help but believe that Capaladi is begging for mercy. Show this young lad the mercy he deserves and support his music.
42. “We Fight” – Dashboard Confessional
I was cautiously optimistic when I heard Dashboard Confessional was dropping a new album in nearly a decade. After all, their 2004 masterpiece “Vindicated” is one of my favorite songs of all time.
Dashboard not only met my expectations, but surpassed them. “We Fight” is a rock anthem much like many of the songs that made me fall in love with the band back in the early 2000’s.
At 42-years old, lead singer Chris Carrabba is still as sickeningly as perfect as he was when he was in his mid-twenties.
41. “63 Days” – Atlas Genius
“A lot can go wrong in 63 days if you’re not focusing on what matters,” says Keith Jeffery, lead vocalist and guitarist in the three brother band Atlas Genius.
“63 Days” is about learning from past mistakes, and not messing up again. It woul
d only logically be about screwing up while on tour with a band, but it could be tied to any relationship.
I’ve had stuffy noses last more than 63 days, so if you don’t think you can handle not screwing up a relationship in 63 days, maybe it’s not a relationship you should be in anyway.
I, however, am quite literally the last person you would want to take relationship advise from. So, listen to the Jeffery brothers’ suggestion, and just behave yourself for 63 damn days.
“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.
To any music fan, the best part about the end of the year is not holidays, vacations, or time spent with family and loved ones: it is the end of the year countdowns. This year, to commemorate the 6th year of Ryans Countdowns “Best Songs of the Year” there will be a Top 100 Songs of 2015 Countdown.
Each list of 10 songs will be released every 3 days throughout the month of December, until the reveal of the #1 Song of 2015, which will be revealed on New Years Eve.
While the Top 100 Songs of the Year are all Rock based, there is a wide array of genres represented in this years countdown. Of course the list is littered with Alt-Rock songs, including Indie Rock and Folk Rock. There is, however, also a significant showing from Pop-Rock songs, Country-Rock songs, Hard-Rock songs, and even a dusting of Electric-Rock songs.
Certainly the lines of what is considered “Rock” may be blurred, but each of these listener friendly songs, were either released in 2015, or near the very end of 2014, making them ineligible to make last years lists.
This is NOT a list of the best selling or most popular songs of 2015 (sorry Adele and Taylor Swift.) This IS a list of the best “rock” songs of the year, some of which were massive hits, but many of which were shamefully overlooked by pop culture. Either way, there is guaranteed to be at least one song you have never heard, and will instantly fall in love with.
And when the ball drops on New Years Eve, you can be confident that you did not let 2015 pass without appreciating some of the best music of the year.
TOP 100 Rock Songs of 2015…
100. Electric Love, BØRNS
When “Electric Love” first came on the airwaves back in the Spring, conversations about the new “Florence and the Machine” song began sprouting up around the alt-rock community.
However, despite the fact that “Florence” did indeed release new music in 2015, this was not one of her songs, nor was it even a female. Not believing my ears, I looked up the video to see for myself that this voice was coming out of a man (and I still could not tell until the final 5 seconds.) After intensive research, I can confirm that BØRNS is certainly a man. The bad news: music does not have the next “Florence and the Machine.” The good news: the next Hozier could bless us with more buzz-worthy tracks in 2016.
WARNING: Video may cause seizures. Or at least the sensation of being higher than Willie Nelson at Woodstock in 1969.
99. Song for Someone, U2
An accompanying 7-minute short film featuring Woody Harrelson as a prisoner being released from a high security prison is just about the only thing that could make “Song for Someone” any better. Luckily for U2, their wish was Woody’s command.
“Song for Someone” is possibly U2’s best song since 2000’s “Beautiful Day.” In fact, the only person that has any right to dislike it is Bono’s wife, Alison, who the song is actually about. Poor Ali has to share the spotlight with any woman whose husband is not as cool as Bono (A.K.A. every guy in the world). I suppose the alliteration has a much better ring to it than “Song for Ali” so you are forgiven this time Bono.
98. Way Too Much, Wavves
“Way Too Much” is the debut single off Wavves’ fifth studio album, appropriately titled, V. Apparently Wavves lead singer Nathan Williams got into a heated argument with their label as to the logistics behind releasing “Way Too Much”, which teeters on the verge of punk-rock, and is about the long search to finding a purpose in life. “Here I am, I’m just stumbling and I’m looking for a purpose.”
Hopefully the long battle between the band and their label will give the guys in Wavves more material and determination to get back in the studio and give us more great music in 2016.
Regardless, “Way Too Much” has given me my most quoted line from a song this year, as I have ended numerous painful conversations by abruptly singing “this conversations getting boooooringggg,” thus ending said conversation and allowing me to get back to listening to Wavves.
97. Sugar, Maroon 5
On December 4th, 2014 Adam Levine and the boys of Maroon 5 spent the day going around LA , surprising newly married couples during their wedding receptions and preforming “Sugar” for them. Unfortunately the cameras stopped rolling before we could see the brides leave their own receptions and run after Levine’s car, but I’m sure it happened at least once. As a groom, the last person you want appearing at your wedding reception is a recipient of People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive award, but I digress.
“Sugar” has nearly 900,000,000 views on youtube. For those of you that can’t read that number, that says 900 MILLION. Nearly a billion views.
Levine’s voice is one of the most distinct voices in the history of rock and roll, and “Sugar” puts his flawless falsetto under a microscope. While the song is catchy enough on its own, and would have been a hit regardless, Maroon 5 hit it out of the park with their unique video that took the internet by storm.
96. Time Machine, Ingrid Michaelson
It has been 10 years since Ingrid Michaelson released her debut album, Slow the Rain and since then she has steadily released album after impressive album. Her newest effort, Lights Out, released in April of 2014, spawned one of her biggest hits to date, “Girls Chase Boys“, which received massive radio airplay and saw her highest chart success since 2007’s “The Way I Am.”
Despite its lack of commercial “success” however, “Time Machine” may be Michaelson’s best track yet, as she offers advice to her past self and wishes she had a time machine to encourage herself to run away and never get involved with someone that would alter the ending to their would-be love story.
“You slammed that door and left me standing all alone
We wrote the story
We turned the pages
You changed the end like everybody said you would”
Michaelson, a self-proclaimed “feminist since birth” breaks the hearts of the star studded cast of comedic actors in one of the best videos of 2015. It is clear that after 10 years in the music industry, Michaelson has made her mark, and become one of the leading ladies in the singer-songwriter scene. Perhaps more importantly, she has made her mark as my favorite “feminist since birth” of all time.
95. Suicide Saturday, Hippo Campus
Rolling Stone named Hippo Campus the best newcomers at Lollapalooza 2015 and after seeing the video for “Suicide Saturday” it is easy to see why. The boys of Hippo Campus are only 20-21 years old, but clearly their age is not a factor when performing. “Suicide Saturday” sounds like is it from a band with years of experience, not four college aged hipsters. After a few listens, try to not sing along with the “Ooooh Oooooh” part, and you will surely fail.
Bottom line: Hippo Campus is One Direction for grown men that actually like One Direction, but are too embarrassed to admit it. Expect big things from these hipsters in 2016.
94. Don’t Wait Up, Robert DeLong
Robert DeLong is capable of playing more instruments than I can name off the top of my head. In addition to vocals, DeLong, the 29 year old “electronic musician” from Bothell, Washington plays the keyboards, drums, sampler, and about a zillion other nob-like “instruments” in the impressive video for “Don’t Wait Up.”
“Don’t Wait Up” is a party song for the biggest of party animals, despite the fact that DeLong isn’t “leaving with the light” because he was partying, but rather because he was working; on his music. In an interview with iHeartRadio Delong says of the songs meaning….
“We (fellow musicians Youngblood Hawke) were talking a lot about the fact that we’re the kind of people that like to lock ourselves in our studios, and we’ll lose track of time, and it’ll be nine in the morning, and we’ve been working all night, and our girlfriends will come walking in, and be like, ‘Hey, it’s time to get breakfast, what are you doing?’
DeLong goes on to explain the process as “creative insomnia.” That is great for musicians and all, but I am still going to go ahead and relate the song to a night of partying, and instead of the line “I stumble out of my home,” insist on singing “I stumble INTO my home.”
It is a much more fitting line for all the party animals that will use “Don’t Wait Up” as their anthem.
Declan McKenna, the new kid on the block (literally kid, as he is only 16 years old) will likely be on many critics “Rookie of the Year” lists. “Brazil” is McKenna’s debut single about the 2014 World Cup and the corruption within FIFA. Not only is McKenna’s voice mature for his age, but his music has the depth that typically only a seasoned musician could achieve.
Most kids McKenna’s age can not even write a proper sentence, let alone a meaningful song about a controversial current event.
Regardless of what he is singing about, his voice is velvety smooth when it needs to be and effortlessly screechy when it needs to be. Even if McKenna decides to write a song about petty high school woes in 2016, expect it to be delivered flawlessly. If he can maintain his momentum in 2016, this Brit could have an even better year ahead, and the beginnings of a potentially life-long music career.
92. Failure, Breaking Benjamin
In precisely the same way that marijuana is supposedly a “gateway drug” to more addictive and dangerous drugs, so is Breaking Benjamin a gateway band to hard rock music. They have proved their staying power and shown that are in it for the long hall. Breaking Benjamin can be so intense and persuasive, that “Failure” is sure to leave you feeling one of two ways:
a) You feel superb, and above all else. You’re not the failure, those loser friends of yours are.
b) You consider yourself a failure and always have. This song makes you want to jump off a bridge.
That alone, is the true tale sign of an amazing song.
91. Hallelujah, Panic! At the Disco
For all you sinful boys and girls out there, fear not, Panic! at the Disco has released a song for you in place of having to go to confession: “Hallelujah!”
Panic! has been around for years, but not since 2006’s “I Write Sins, Not Tragedies” has a Panic! song been so successful.
“Hallelujah!” will make you sing, dance, and throw your hands in the air faster than the front row of an Ellen Degeneres audience during her Christmas week giveaway extravaganza.
Bottom line: Panic! at the Disco can do no wrong, and “Hallelujah” proves that after 11 years, they are better than ever.
Comment below with your favorite of the ten songs. Or if you are an alien and hate them all, tell me that too.
