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80. Cut the Cord, Shinedown

Shinedown’s second song to make the top 100 is the lead single off their 5th studio album, Threat to Survival. According to the band’s Facebook page, the song is a “statement to the world that you will not give up, you will not give in, and you refuse to fail.”

“Cut the Cord” is loud, aggressive, in your face, and the type of track one would expect from the hard rock band. Even though it is a hard rock song, it offers a positive message to its listeners. In an interview with Billboard, lead singer Brent Smith said of the song…

“It is a wake up call reminding us all that we can control our own destiny by finding the courage and tenacity to destroy whatever it is that’s holding us back.”

“Cut the Cord” is a hard rock song that any music fan can appreciate and enjoy.

79. Get Closer, Life in Film

British band Life in Film has been together nearly 5 years, but just released their first full length album, Here It Comes. Their first single, “Get Closer,” is fast, upbeat, catchy, and according to the band, was written in just a few hours. Lead singer, Samuel Fry, told Interview Magazine that the song was written in reflection of “where he has been, and where he may be going next.”

If Life in Film can continue popping out hits like this in just a few hours, they will be going very big places for sure.

78. 2 Heads, Coleman Hell

Canadian electric artist, Coleman Hell had one “hell” of a year as his debut single blew up on the charts. He writes and produces all of his own music on keyboards and programs, and his “2 Heads” features the beloved banjo sounds without even using an actual banjo.

Besides having the coolest name in the business, Coleman Hell is a go-getter, releasing the song all by himself and having the song streamed nearly 10 million times before a record label stepped in.

He describes his music as songs that people will be able to dance to, but also have meaning to them. Coleman Hell has a style of his own, and based on his determination alone, should continue to thrive as a stand alone artist, with or without a record label backing him.

77. Can’t Break me Down, Billy Idol

Kings & Queens of the Underground, Billy Idol’s first album in nearly ten years (if you don’t count his Christmas album. Yes, Billy Idol released a Christmas album in 2006. I was just as confused as you are) was released in late 2014, as was this track.

Being 60 years old does not stop Idol from releasing “Can’t Break Me Down,” one of the best pop-punk-rock tracks of the year. The “BANG, BANG, BANG” chorus is more catchy than any Taylor Swift song, and more fun to sing than just about anything else on the radio this year.

Billy Idol still being alive is impressive enough due to the amount of drugs he presumably has done in his lifetime. But, the fact that he can come out with his best work since 1990’s “Cradle of Love” is a downright miracle. Clearly he means what he says, and nothing, not even decades of alcohol and drug abuse can break this rock icon down.

76. Fire and the Flood, Vance Joy

It seems that everything Vance Joy has done the past few years has been gaining the attention of an increasing amount of alt rock fans. “Rip Tide” introduced us to the 28 year old Australian singer-songwriter, 2014’s “Mess is Mine” proved that he was not a “one hit wonder,” and this years “Fire and the Flood” confirms that he has staying power, and is on the verge on becoming one of the biggest names in terms of male singer-songwriters.

While “Fire and the Flood” could easily be seen as a man creepily attempting to stalk the home of his ex-girlfriend, the pleasantness of Joy’s soothing voice makes it difficult to feel anything but sincerity and sympathy for the Aussie.

75. Stressed Out, Twenty One Pilots

“Stressed Out” is this years rap song for rock fans. It seems that each year there has been one “alternative hip-hop” track that makes a splash on rock stations across the country (i.e. any Eminem or Macklemore song), and Twenty One Pilots had that honor this year.

The song is about the nostalgia for childhood and the responsibilities of adulthood. While few people seriously long to be 6 years old permanently (I hope,) it is likely that many people wish they could go back in time and spend a few moments as an innocent child nestled in your mothers arms while she sings you to sleep, especially when your hectic adult life is not going so smoothly.

Twenty One Pilots are rap/hip hop/alternative rock with a pinch of pop. They have songs that will make fans of any genre turn up the radio when their music comes on, and they have fans of all ages slaughtering the lyrics to their brilliant tracks. Expect only bigger and better things from Twenty Pilots in the coming years.

74. Save It for a Rainy Day, Kenny Chesney

Fact: There is nothing on Earth worse than a buzzkill. Kenny Chesney is aware of this, and has written “Save It for a Rainy Day” as a reminder to all those buzzkills out there that want to ruin their friends good time. Chesney reminds us all to focus on the positive, and let your worries slip away, even if for a brief period of time, and especially if there are friends, sunshine, and beer involved.

“Why lose another beautiful day over something out of our control? Whether it is a girlfriend leaving, or a crumby boss, the reality is simple; they don’t care that they’re ruining your day. And they’re not, you are! It’s your choice how you’re going to feel… a lot more than any of us realize” says Chesney of “Save It for a Rainy Day” in a July 14, 2015 article with Rolling Stone Country.

Everyone needs more friends like Chesney, and less friends like their buzzkill friends.

73. Now or Never, Atomic Tom

Atomic Tom first burst onto the scene with 2010’s “Take Me Out,” and using just their iPhone’s performed the song on the New York Subway. The video, which should have WAY more than 1.2 million views, helped the band distinguish themselves from the rest of the alt-rick pact.

Atomic Tom has been relatively quiet since then, however, and one could have assumed that they were another alt rock one hit wonder. But, by the grace of God, Atomic Tom is back, and better than ever with their hit “Now or Never.”

The track, their debut single off their latest album ERA, which the band offered for just $1 for one week back in September as a thank you to their fans, is the epitome of modern day alt-rock. It is loud, catchy, and powerful. Atomic Tom is one of the best alt-rock bands around today, and as “Now or Never” gains more momentum, the band may finally begin to receive the recognition that they deserve.

(On a side note: If you can listen to their song “This is How We Like to End” off their debut album The Moment, and not instantly fall in love with it, you and I need to have a long conversation about what you are doing with your life.)

72. Like I Can, Sam Smith

“Like I Can” may be the most pop heavy song on the countdown, but it certainly has the potential to get the blood flowing and adrenaline rushing. It’s one of Sam Smith’s more upbeat songs, and in terms of meaningful lyrics, the song is as relatable as any other song of the year.

Much like Adele, Sam Smith has gone through some serious relationship heartaches, and I, for one, along with millions of other fans, couldn’t be happier about that.

The two artists have also given us the opportunity to hear every song they have ever written performed by just about every contestant that has been on any singing reality show the past 5 years. Jordan Smith and Regina Love’s performance of this song on this season’s The Voice, however, is one of the best. It took several hours to get through this episode because I rewound this performance and estimated 78 times.

https://youtu.be/hcNvyQIzE6s

71. Lampshades on Fire, Modest Mouse

And the award for the most traumatizing video of the year goes to…… Modest Mouse with “Lampshades on Fire.” Not since 1994’s “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden has a video been so shocking.

The song itself, an honest attempt at the band expressing their concern about humans destroying Earth, is surprisingly profound. If anyone can decipher the lyrics, there is a much bigger meaning to the song than just having a huge party and getting destroyed.

Goal of 2016: learn every word and sing it in karaoke without looking at the monitor once. If that doesn’t get a standing ovation from the drunk crowd (A.K.A. my friends) I don’t know what will.

Songs 70-61 Coming soon!