Best of 2011: Songs #20-11

Confession: I'm pretty excited about these 20 songs...


20. "We Found Love" - Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris


I normally can't stand Rihanna, but the soaring beat sets this one apart. Let's credit Calvin Harris for this one.


19. "Civilization" - Justice


Biblical allusions aside, this French duo tossed out this bombastic single in 2011. Even with all the electronica, nothing ever sounds artificial. Maybe I should explain that more...


18. "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" - Coldplay


These guys just have the magic touch where everything they touch turns into a stadium anthem. Consists of: hyperbolism, their trademark catchy melody, and Chris Martin's surprisingly strong voice.


17. "Hello" - Martin Solveig ft. Dragonette
 

 Yes, it was featured on its share of commercials this past year, but seriously,  they had good reason with this one. Light and happy; like, if I were the dude Dragonette was rejecting, I'd probably still walk away with a smile on my face.


16. "Second Chance" - Peter Bjorn and John


That unified instrumental hit and those oooooo-ooo-ooooo oo-oo's.

15. "Countdown" - Beyoncé




Yeah, the lyrics are a little crazy and dirty, but it's Beyoncé at her best - sans the Major Lazer bloops and beeps. You can't deny that she's a fierce lady.


14. "Heart Attack" - Raphael Saadiq


The running guitars in this one are an excellent start, and then Raphael Saadiq screams his vocal entrance. Not once does it stop to let you catch your breath.

13. "Somebody That I Used to Know" - Gotye ft. Kimbra


The contrasts in this song are incredible. Gotye starts off level headed, and then has an emotional peak. Kimbra starts in, open to explain herself, but she too gets frustrated and sings out. The contrast between their voices and each side of the story is awesome as well. Terrific!

12. "If I Die Young" - The Band Perry


Written from the perspective of a teenager, every thing about this song is touching. The delicate vocal chords strike just the right amount of melancholy and innocence. The chorus makes it sound ceremonial and the rest of the lyrics are strangely personal.

11. "Stare Into the Sun" - Graffiti6


The distorted voices and the and the ting-ing notes are so 2011, but the soul and lyrics "I got a fever baby" are from a different, better decade.