Songs 100 – 91 90 – 81 80 – 71
70. Addicted, Walk Off the Earth
As with most Walk Off the Earth songs “Addicted” is a hell of a good time. Most people do not have the luxury of living in the tropics and enjoying the laid back Caribbean vibe year round, but close your eyes and listen to “Addicted” on repeat and that should help fill the void during the long, cold winter months.
69. Almost (Sweet Music), Hozier
“Almost (Sweet Music)” is Hozier’s ode to jazz music and the jazz era. After exploding on the scene with 2013’s “Take Me to Church” Hozier has stood out from his musical peers producing thought provoking music that oftentimes evokes buzz around positive social messages.
Hozier is one of the biggest names in male rock soloists, and “Almost (Sweet Music)” is a perfect example of why.
68. Heaven, We’re Already Here – The Maine
The Maine has been incredibly underrated for years, and the lack of buzz for “Heaven, We’re Already Here” is another frustration that fans of The Maine will have to get over.
The song is dramatic, full of excitement, and a perfect example of the direction alt rock should be heading. Do yourself a favor and give The Maine some love in 2020.
67. Prom Queen, Beach Bunny
“Prom Queen” by Beach Bunny is retro-emo-rock at its best. With their first full length album, Honeymoon set for a February 2020 release, Beach Bunny may find it is finally time for them to become the Prom Queens of modern rock.
66. I’ll Be Back Someday, Tegan & Sara
Identical Canadian twins, Tegan and Sara Quin are some of the hardest working people in mainstream modern rock. They are both multi-instrumentalists, singer-songwriters that have worked and toured with legends such as Neil Young, The Pretenders, Weezer and The Killers.
As with any fine wine, Tegan and Sara are simply getting better with age and “I’ll Be Back Someday” is one of their most catchy, enjoyable songs to date.
65. My Cheating Heart – Love, Fame, Tragedy
The Wombats frontman, Matthew Murphy decided to try his fate at a solo project and as Lady Luck would have it, it paid off.
“My Cheating Heart”, his first single under the name Love Fame Tragedy, is full of energy, drama, and one of my favorite songs of the year to sing along with.
64. Does To Me, Luke Combs
My choice for country artist of the year is hands down Luke Combs. “Does To Me”, a story about an average Joe that is justifiably proud of being a good brother and lover is so good that it needed to be included in the 2019 Rock Countdown.
Sure it’s technically country, but it is also pop, rock, and just plain damn perfect music. That might not mean much to you, but it sure “does to me.”
63. The Game, Milky Chance
“The Game” by German electronic pop duo Milky Chance, is a perfect blend of reggae, rock, pop and just plain chill. If Bob Marley was still around today, he most certainly would have had some sort of cameo in this laid back song that you could put on repeat and full on zone out.
62. Screamer, Third Eye Blind
Stephan Jenkins and his band are back and better than they have been in over a decade. 22 years after releasing their debut self titled album, Third Eye Blind still is more than capable of not only knowing what their audience wants, but delivering on a level that only they can.
“Screamer” is more angst ridden than Stephan Jenkins himself. And Stephan Jenkins’ angst is one of my favorite things in the world.
61. We All Need Someone, The Strumbellas
My choice for album of the year is Rattlesnake by The Strumbellas. I could realistically include just about every track on this countdown, but decided to limit myself in order to not be bias.
“We All Need Someone” is a song that everyone should know. It should be played in schools every morning. It should be played in hospitals when people are sick. It should be played in bars when people are drinking away their problems.
There is nowhere this song shouldn’t be played. I know I will certainly be needed a few someone’s in 2020; and it’s The Strumbellas giving me more music.
Top Songs of 2019 (100 – 61) Spotify Playlist
Songs 60 – 51 coming Monday!