Category: music musings

2011: my favorite songs

This is kind of a recap of last year’s rules, which still completely apply:
1. No artist may appear more than once (not including collaborations, because honestly, I didn’t even think about that until just this moment, and the damn list is together), otherwise some artists would have literally 10 spots on the list.
2. These are most of my favorite songs from 2011; they aren’t all singles, and some of them were even better than the released singles by those artists.
3. This is a pretty representative song sample of 2011, IMHO; even though some of you may be pissed not to see certain Billboard “hits” on my list.
4. This really highlights how all over the place my music tastes are, doesn’t it?
5. Enjoy.

Without further adieu, here’s my favorite 80 tracks from 2011… considering the rules:

  • 1. Will Young – Jealousy
  • 2. Britney Spears – Till The World Ends
  • 3. Rihanna – We Found Love
  • 4. City and Colour – Northern Wind
  • 5. Adele – Someone Like You
  • 6. Patrick Wolf – House
  • 7. Jessie J – Who You Are
  • 8. Nicki Minaj – Super Bass
  • 9. Lady GaGa – Born This Way
  • 10. Nicole Scherzinger – Don’t Hold Your Breath
  • 11. JoJo – Disaster
  • 12. William Fitzsimmons – By My Side
  • 13. Beyonce – Run the World (Girls)
  • 14. The Decemberists – Rise To Me
  • 15. Marina and the Diamonds – Radioactive
  • 16. Bjork – Crystalline
  • 17. Florence + The Machine – Shake It Out
  • 18. Westlife – Lighthouse
  • 19. M83 – Midnight City
  • 20. Yasmin – Finish Line
  • 21. Owl City – Lonely Lullaby
  • 22. One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful
  • 23. Jon McLaughlin – I’ll Follow You
  • 24. Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues
  • 25. David Guetta feat. Usher – Without You
  • 26. Jennifer Lopez – On The Floor
  • 27. Feist – How Come You Never Go There
  • 28. Vanbot – Make Me, Break Me
  • 29. Nero – Me & You
  • 30. Medina – Addiction
  • 31. Cher Lloyd – Want U Back
  • 32. The Saturdays – My Heart Takes Over
  • 33. Death Cab For Cutie – St. Peter’s Cathedral
  • 34. Mat Kearney – Ships In The Night
  • 35. Sugababes – Freedom
  • 36. Bon Iver – Holocene
  • 37. Gavin DeGraw – Not Over You
  • 38. White Lies – Bigger Than Us
  • 39. The Naked and Famous – Young Blood
  • 40. Selena Gomez and the Scene – Love You Like a Love Song
  • 41. Maroon 5 – Moves Like Jagger
  • 42. Jason Walker – Echo
  • 43. Matt Nathanson – Run
  • 44. Parade – Louder
  • 45. Nicola Roberts – Beat of My Drum
  • 46. Clare Maguire – Last Dance
  • 47. Jennifer Hudson – Where You At
  • 48. Alex Gaudino feat. Kelly Rowland – What A Feeling
  • 49. Alex Clare – Too Close
  • 50. Slow Runner – Devil Moon
  • 51. Lady Antebellum – Just a Kiss
  • 52. The Antlers – I Don’t Want Love
  • 53. James Vincent McMorrow – We Don’t Eat
  • 54. The Young Professionals – D.I.S.C.O.
  • 55. Jessie and the Toy Boys – Push It
  • 56. Ester Dean – Take You To Rio
  • 57. Young The Giant – My Body
  • 58. Katy B – Broken Record
  • 59. Peter Bjorn and John – Second Chance
  • 60. Penguin Prison – Don’t Fuck With My Money
  • 61. Benny Banassi – Cinema (Skrillex Remix)
  • 62. LMFAO – Party Rock Anthem
  • 63. Cobra Starship – You Make Me Feel…
  • 64. The Wanted – I’ll Be Your Strength
  • 65. Ultraviolet Sound – Girl Talk
  • 66. Lana Del Ray – Video Games
  • 67. Audio Bullys – Only Man
  • 68. Pia Toscano – This Time
  • 69. DJ Fresh – Louder
  • 70. Leslie Hall – Hydrate Jirate
  • 71. Laura Marling – Sophia
  • 72. Emeli Sande – Heaven
  • 73. Deerhoof – Super Duper Rescue Heads!
  • 74. Aubrey O’Day – Automatic
  • 75. Alexis Jordan – How You Like Me Now
  • 76. Greyson Chance – Unfriend You
  • 77. Melanie C – Think About It
  • 78. Swedish House Mafia – Save the World
  • 79. AWOLNATION – Sail
  • 80. Ryan Adams – Dirty Rain

So there it is!! What do you think?! I hope you found a bunch of songs that you enjoyed this year on the list… it makes for an excellent “mix tape” in my opinion! There’s also a spotify playlist with MOST of these gems on it; check it out here.

sotd: Robyn – Include Me Out

So yeah, I bet you are wondering (that is if people even still read this poorly updated blog, sorry…) right about now… hey, where’s the year end album countdown? Well, I can assure you of something; it IS coming. I haven’t had time to get it done, because frankly, I work all of the time.

When I’m not working, I am sleeping; this job is one that wears me out majorly, but it is something that I am glad I worked so hard to get into. Being a nurse is incredibly frustrating, tiring, irritating at times, and very, very draining, but it is also really rewarding.

That being said, I am excited about bringing the year end best albums of 2011 to you, but in the mean time, here is a song that I recently rediscovered; it was on Body Talk part 2, but didn’t make the “cut” for the Body Talk album (which was a compilation of the three EPs). This song is incredible! Why didn’t it make the cut, Robyn? Oh well, at least it was on one of the EPs…

Now… stay tuned for the albums of the year… I am going to try and get that up soon!

5SM: november 28

Hey y’all! It’s a fucking five song Monday! I have been listening to some great new music lately, and here are five fantastic tracks that I can’t wait for you to hear. Also, it is nearing that time of year where the best of albums list gets compiled, and while I have quite a list going, I am eager to hear what has made YOUR lists; I don’t want to miss out on something incredible that I may not have heard of yet. So… let me know what you are listening to in the comments as well. Now to the five songs I’ve got for you today:

Vanbot – Make Me, Break Me

I couldn’t wait for a 5S-day, so I posted the video for this on Facebook the other day immediately after I heard it, because of how incredible it is. While the Robyn influence is undeniable (and frankly, welcomed with open arms), this song is fresh, and highlights the fact that there must be something genetically inherent about pop music in Sweden. In fact, Vanbot’s entire debut album is delightful, and a great find; it’s full of great songs that I am pleased to have randomly discovered. I expect to see it among my favorite albums of this year; like I said it’s delightful. Whatever is going over there in Sweden, I am glad that the pop music keeps flowing out of that magical land, and into my ears.

One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful

It seems like the Brits do boybands better than almost anyone, and this is a new contender in the boyband genre that are killing it with this single (they were on the show the X-Factor, and came in third… looks like that show really does well at finding talent). Their new album Up All Night is a solid release, and one that is sure to have many singles. This song is a great pop song that will probably never see the airwaves here in the states; which is a bummer, because it has a lot of great energy. I have been listening to this one on repeat, and I am glad to share it with you today. Thanks to my buddy Douglas for telling me about the wonderful One Direction!

Cher Lloyd – Want U Back

After falling head over heels for Cher with her previous single, With Ur Love (which I posted about on the previous incarnation of the 5S-day), I was curious to hear what else she would release. Imagine my surprise when her debut album Sticks + Stones was actually brilliant (save a song or two), and was filled with great songs like this one. I love this song; it’s my favorite from her album. She has a lot of the same spunk that reminds me of Lily Allen, which I adore. This is yet another great find that I randomly stumbled upon; 2011 has had some great finds, and they seem to be getting better and better!

Penguin Prison – Don’t Fuck With My Money

I have seen a lot of talk on the blogs about Penguin Prison, but for whatever reason, I was never moved by one of their songs. Then I saw the video for this one, and I loved the song! This song reminds me a lot of that one song from the 90s that I’m sure everyone knows, but not a lot know who sang it: the New Radicals’, You Get What You Give. Similar feel with a more dance beat; I like it. I’m glad I am on board with the oft talked about Penguin Prison now!

The Saturdays – My Heart Takes Over (Digital Dog Remix)

Nothing, and I mean NOTHING tears it up like taking a beautiful ballad, and a laying a slick as hell beat over it, turning it into a dance-floor filler. This song is definitely one of the best examples that I have heard in many, many years. The Saturdays’ My Heart Takes Over is a gorgeous ballad that I love all on it’s own, but this remix that they released is like pure pollen to a bee; I cannot get enough of it. I only wish there were more remixes of this high quality doing the same thing… where are Thunderpuss when you need them (remember them?)? Either way, brilliant. Their new album is great as well; not as wonderful as I was hoping, but I guess you can’t win them all, can you?

BONUS:
Westlife – Lighthouse

Lastly, it is bittersweet that I bring you Westlife’s most recent single Lighthouse, off of their final album, which is a Greatest Hits collection. This is a band that I have followed for more than a decade, and have loved for so long that I am really broken up about their impending split. I am a major sucker for a beautiful pop ballad, and these guys have delivered many, many times in that department. I have loved following them for all of these years, and am glad that they have put out so many wonderful albums. Westlife will always be among my favorite artists, and I will definitely cherish the great pop music they released in their impressive career. My only hope, is that Shane and Mark release wonderful solo albums, and keep making music that I love. Westlife, I love you guys, and you will most certainly be missed.

Well, a farewell, and some great music, what more can you ask for on a Monday? Hope you enjoyed my picks, and please let me know what you are listening to as well. As I said, I will greatly miss Westlife, and I am just glad that those guys have made so many amazing albums over the years; the fans have a ton of great music to cherish from their amazing career… I just wish it wasn’t over. *sniff*

5SW: november 2

Howdy! Long time no talk, eh? Well, things are going well here. I am on my own at work, and I am doing okay; I know that it’s going to take a while before I am fully comfortable with this whole nursing on my own thing. Other than that, I have been trying to enjoy my days off, as the days I am at work are so intense; when a nurse says that they work 12 hours, they WORK that 12 hours!! Overall, though, things are good with me, so I figured it was time to do a 5S-someday, already! I have some great stuff for you today too, so let’s get to it!

Florence + The Machine – Shake It Out

She’s back!!! While it took me a while to warm up to Florence the first time around, and perhaps it had something to do with the fact that everyone and their mom was telling me just how amazing she was, I eventually came around, and was all ears when her new album came out this week. So far, this is my favorite track off of Ceremonials, and it is a real mover and a shaker, which is the stuff by Florence that I like best. Great single; this one is sure to get her even more exposure (like she needs it… haha).

Jon McLaughlin – I’ll Follow You

This is what I have come to expect from Jon McLaughlin; beautiful, well written ballads (and he doesn’t disappoint). This is from his recently released third album, Forever If Ever, which didn’t pack quite the punch his debut did for me, but has some great stuff nonetheless; this being the best of the bunch for me. The arrangement on this track is just hauntingly beautiful; what can I say, I am a sucker for a great piano-driven ballad.

M83 – Midnight City

I really only heard about M83 with their last album, Saturdays = Youth, which I quite enjoyed, and after hearing this new single from their recently released double album, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming, I am hooked back into their weird, ethereal sound. This song is too catchy to turn off. They are even using this song in the latest Victoria’s Secret ad; so I expect M83 to get pretty huge in the coming months.

Cher Lloyd – With Ur Love (feat. Mike Posner)

My buddy Stu turned me on to this song; it is perfect pop, and a major earworm! I love how cute and sassy this song is, and how adorable is Cher Lloyd? I wish that more British pop would make waves here in the states, but at least I have friends that keep me updated on the clearly better pop music being made across the pond. I can’t wait to hear what else this lady has in store with her debut album, out this month.

Rihanna – We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)

I have been hard on Rihanna in the past; perhaps a bit too hard. I made some amends when I professed my love for Only Girl (In The World), which I still think is one of her best songs to date. Well, I am here to make even more amends, because this may just be her best song to date. Calvin Harris’ magic has made this THE song of the moment right now. I have been playing this on repeat for a few weeks now, and I cannot get enough. RiRi, baby, as long as you keep this up, we might just get along in the end; who would’ve thought after Rude Boy that I’d say that? Not me, that’s who!

So what did you think of the 5 songs from today’s 5SW? I hope you enjoyed them; please let me know. Also, let me know what you are listening to; I am constantly on the hunt for new music!

sotd: Jason Walker – Echo

Today’s song of the day is simply beautiful. I have been loving this song ever since I discovered it; it was playing in the background on the Vampire Diaries a few episodes ago. Boy, that show has some really great music!

What a great ballad, huh? Also, I guess this makes this a 1SF? Eh, who knows… either way, it’s something to whet your appetite til I can get back to another 5SF; maybe I’ll be able to do one early next week… stay tuned. Til then, enjoy the weekend!

5SW: september 7

Since I will be working this Friday, and since I was working this past Friday as well (oy!), I figured, let’s be unconventional and do a five song Wednesday today. Why not, right? Here are some great new songs for you to consider, songs that I have really been enjoying recently.

Feist – How Come You Never Go There
As a huge fan of Feist’s previous album, The Reminder, which came out waaaay back in 2007 (and was subsequently my #2 album of that year), I have been chomping at the bit to get some new music from this Canadian chanteuse. Well, it is an understatement to say that this, the first single from her forthcoming album Metals, is quite simply amazing. This track is beautiful, and really builds on where The Reminder left off. All of a sudden, I cannot wait for October to get here!

Gavin Degraw – Not Over You
I’m honestly shocked by this one; I have always considered this guy to be firmly in the column of ‘artists I cannot stand’ for whatever reason. Perhaps it was that damn obnoxious song of his, I Don’t Wanna Be, which was played on the radio every five fucking minutes back in the day and is a song I cannot stand. What can I say, first impressions are very strong, indeed. That being said, I heard this song thanks to Spotify playing a snippet during a commercial, and I didn’t even know it was Gavin Degraw; and when I found it was him, I was all, “hmpf! Who cares, it’s excellent!”. So there; what can I say, I am a sucker for a fantastic piano-driven ballad, and this is a very, very good one.

Jessie J – Domino
There is a lot of love for Jessie J on this blog, a lot, and rightfully so; she’s amazing! I love this girl, and it seems like when everything new I hear, I fall harder and harder for her. Her voice is powerful and incredible, and I hope that she becomes just as big (especially stateside) as (IMHO) less deserving acts like Katy Perry. This song is decidedly more pop than some of her previous singles, and it shows just how varied her style can be, while highlighting how she can keep it young and fresh as well. This is such an earworm, and it is perfectly ready to blaze the airwaves; this is one I would expect to hear on repeat on the radio. Jessie J ladies and gents; this is pop, and let’s enjoy it, shall we?!

Nicole Scherzinger – Wet
It appears that I might be a little obsessed with Nicole Scherzinger these days. I have a habit of promoting stuff that I feel like is deserving of attention, and this is a great reason I keep turning to Nicole; she should be way bigger of a star than simply as the “lead singer of the Pussycay Dolls”. Every time I turn around, I hear another amazing single from her, and I keep wondering, why in the hell hasn’t this girl been topping the Billboard charts with these hits?! Her album, Killer Love is still slated for a November release date here in the US (even though it was released in the UK back in March of this year!!!), and this is the latest UK single from the album. Might I say, Wet is another blazing hit (thanks to my buddy Steve for posting this on facebook a while back). Nicole is gorgeous in the video, and this song is a dance banger ready for the dancefloor. After seeing the video, it struck me that someone should show Britney this video to remind her that girls her age can still dance and show the level of enthusiasm she used to back in the Toxic days… Either way, another fantastic single and video for Nicole!! Fingers still crossed for you, lady!

David Guetta – Night Of Your Life feat. Jennifer Hudson
Oh my goodness. Finally. A KILLER club track featuring the vocals of one of my most favorite divas, Ms. Jennifer Hudson! This song is incredible, and a great testament of what it means to work with superstar DJ David Guetta; he will treat you right! Kelly Rowland has known that for a while, and with David’s most recently release, Nothing But The Beat, it looks like several fantastic artists are following suit to work with this guy. If anything, it pretty much guarantees you at least a very good chance of having a very radio-ready single. This song is definitely reminiscent of Rihanna’s Only Girl (In The World), but different enough to hold its own (and honestly, I loved that song too, so fuck, the more the merrier!!). I honestly loved it the first time I heard it; but then again, my lady Jennifer is tearing it UP on this track. My only wish, is that they would have released this back in June, because it could have been my song of the summer; so I guess it’ll just have to be my song of the autumn!! I expect to here this a lot at the upcoming Pride festival!

So there we go, another five songs… what did you think? Any suggestions you’d like to see in a future five song Friday (or Wednesday… or whatever day I do one)? Let me know!

5SF: august 19

Well, I managed to scrounge together 5 songs for today’s 5SF, which I was worried I wouldn’t be able to do after last weeks mega 10SF. Also, as a major bonus, each of these have a youtube video/audio, so I can just post the videos as well (and due to time constraints, my comments will be kind of brief)! Sometimes, you get thrown a bone, not often, but sometimes; and today is one of those times.

Laura Marling – Sophia

I always underestimate Laura Marling for some reason. I’m an idiot, because she always manages to impress. Another beautiful song from this incredible artist. I can’t wait for her next album; her last one was one of my favorites from last year.

Emeli Sande – Heaven

This is kind of a sad one to post, seeing as it was one of the final songs I discovered via BBC Radio 1, and I doubt there will be more excellent discoveries from them seeing as XMradio decided to yank the channel and replace it with disco hits. Seriously? Either way, excellent song, and it makes me want to hear what she’s got in store for her album as well.

Maroon 5 – Moves Like Jagger

I’m extra hard on Maroon 5 for some reason, but a hit is a hit, and this is definitely a hit. My apologies to my buddy Kelly who tried to get me into this one a month ago, and it fell on deaf ears; I am all ears now. This is such a slick track!

Ultraviolet Sound – Girl Talk

I heard this one the other day, and I instantly fell in love with it. It has all of the energy of Dragonette and Alphabeat, and I enjoy that it is so lyrically playful. Great earworm, and it will definitely get you dancing. Maybe now I need to actually pay more attention to Ultraviolet Sound (seeing as this is the second song I have heard from them and liked)…

Bjork – Crystalline

Bjork is insanely talented, and this new single is a testament to that; she truly stands in a category of her own. I especially love the beautiful lyrics, and the play with drum and bass at the end. This song is slick, and unlike anything out right now. The verdict? Absolutely brilliant.

Well, there you have it, another 5SF. Be sure to let me know what you think, and as always, keep me informed as to what you are listening to; I am always on the lookout for new and fantastic music.

5SF: august 12

I haven’t been doing these 5SFs as much as I would like, but no matter, because I CAN do one today; and as a special treat for not doing them as regularly, and to show you some MAJOR love, today will be a 10SF!!! That’s right, 10 SONGS!!! Without further adieu, let’s get to the tunes!

Will Young – Jealousy
Yes, I featured this as the song of the day a few days ago, but I cannot get enough of this amazing new track from one my favorite singers. The “new direction” he has gone into full tilt dance initially made me feel very apprehensive, because of how delicate and beautiful his previous Let It Go was, and because of how very much I loved that album. That being said, after hearing Jealousy, and now that I have heard another song The Way I See (a free download on amazon.co.uk for you UK-ers out there; sadly not for us stateside), I have to say, that my apprehension has turned to sheer excitement. I have had this track on repeat since I first heard it, and I cannot wait for August 22; the day when Will’s long anticipated new album Echoes is out. Watch the beautiful video for Jealousy here.

Owl City – Lonely Lullaby
I will be honest; I kind of waned a bit with love for Owl City when he signed to a major label. Hearing Fireflies on the radio all of the time made me crazy; it isn’t his best song, and for as long as I had sung his praises, I was a little nonplussed to have the masses licking him up so feverishly all of a sudden. Don’t get me wrong, I am very pleased with his success, and am very happy for the guy, but I feel like some of the stuff on his major debut Ocean Eyes was a bit of a rehash of the fantastic Maybe I’m Dreaming (well, some of it was just a repeat, to be honest). For whatever reason, I was just over it all. However, recently, I heard Lonely Lullaby, and it was like a call from an old friend; this song is incredible! It instantly reminded me of everything I loved about Owl City, and it was like no time had passed! While I still think a lot of the lyrics are a bit out there overall, this song is very well written, and quite touching. Great return to form Owl City! I’m glad we’ve gotten reacquainted!! Listen to Lonely Lullaby here (not super great quality; just buy it on iTunes! Also, for those of you on Spotify, here’s a better quality link/place to listen.).

William Fitzsimmons – Ever Could
I could probably go on and on about William, and how incredible he is, and how much I love his beautiful and delicate music, so I tend to do so. I was lucky enough to see him earlier this year, and it was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. William posted about this song being on a show recently, and I was wondering why I hadn’t heard of it; it was on a bonus 2 disc version of his most recent release Gold In The Shadow. I honestly feel a little cheated, because I bought the album the day it was released on iTunes, and there wasn’t a bonus 2 disc version, but I guess I’m over it, because I have it now. This is definitely one of the best songs on the album, and I wonder why he didn’t just put it on the original release. Either way, it’s more amazing music from this incredible artist; I’m not exactly complaining. Listen to Ever Could here.

Lana del Rey – Video Games
My buddy Stephen over at xolondon clued me into this song, which is a haunting, gorgeous, and down right impressive debut from Ms. del Rey. Her voice has some qualities that remind me of both Sia and Laura Marling, both singers that I adore, and the arrangement is spine tinglingly good. The strings, the downbeat, the booming slow bass; all of it is magic to my ears. I hope to hear more from this new artist, and a huge thanks to my buddy Stephen for letting me know about this little gem; it’s been quite an earworm since he told me about it. To listen to Video Games, visit his blog here.

Pia Toscano – This Time
All I gotta say, is fuck American Idol. This girl was definitely the best singer from this previous season, and she got kicked off way too damn early. Well, looks like she’s getting the last laugh; this is a great lead single, and it really highlights her incredible voice. She reminds me of a younger Jessica Simpson (back when everyone actually enjoyed her music), with a taste of Katharine McPhee (a fellow AI alum!) thrown in; together it makes for a pure pop sensibility that is perfectly ready for the radio. The video is a little sexed up, but Pia is incredibly beautiful, and when it comes right down to it, she can really sing to boot. I hope this is beginning of some really great things from this fantastic singer. Watch the video for This Time here. (Also, get to iTunes this week, because this song is only $.69!)

Greyson Chance – Unfriend You
Even I am sometimes surprised by how much I love blatant pop music. Greyson Chance is about as poppy as they come, and his new single, Unfriend You is just too catchy to ignore. If you don’t know the back story on this kid, he covered Paparazzi by Lady GaGa at a school concert, put it on youtube, where it caught the attention of Ellen DeGeneres, who in turn gave him a record deal. A few months later, here we are; his album was released last week, and it’s actually pretty decent! This is my favorite song from the album, and highlights this kid’s singing talent nicely. Hey Justin Beiber, watch out, this kid’s coming for your fans!! Watch the video for Unfriend You here.

Matt Nathanson – Run (feat. Jennifer Nettles)
I have been a fan of Matt’s for a few years now, and his last album even made my year end best of 2007 list. Needless to say, I was kind of excited to see that he had a new album coming out, and when I got my hands on a couple of weeks ago, I was glad to hear this guy was back and making more great music. This is my favorite song from his new album Modern Love. It is a beautiful rock song fitting with the name and theme of the album, and it transcends into amazing with the addition of Jennifer Nettles on vocals; Matt’s vocals are beautiful, but with Jennifer on board, it goes to the next level. In my opinion, this should most definitely be the next single, *hint hint*. Listen to Run here.

Mat Kearney – Ships In The Night
My goodness, this man is so swoon-able. Mat Kearney has been steadily on my radar since I heard his debut so many years ago, and with each subsequent release, it seems he only gets stronger. His previous release, City of Black and White was my number 7 album of 2009, and after hearing his new album, Young Love, which was released last week, I am sure that we will see him sitting high on the end of the year charts once again this year. This is one of my favorite songs from the new album, and truly indicative of his trademark style, something I have come to love. This song is excellent, and the entire album is fantastic from beginning to end. Apparently, it debuted in the top 10 on the Billboard 200 this week, which is awesome to see him getting the success he so truly deserves; perhaps fans like myself running out and buying the new album didn’t hurt either. Listen to Ships In The Night here.

Selena Gomez & The Scene – Love You Like a Love Song
I recently posted on twitter, “Hey Selena Gomez! Stop making songs that I like; this is embarrassing!”, which is so, so true. I was talking about this song, because it is so good; and are we really supposed to be taking Selena Gomez, a Disney-channel bred pop star seriously? I mean, do those kids ever actually make legit pop music that transcends the teen-scene? Well, dammit, it looks like they do; this song is mature, well written, and a major fucking earworm. This girl has transcended successfully into the pop music market, and if you had no idea of her Disney past, there is no need to think of it ever again; she has transcended past the teen-scene, and as far as I am concerned, into legit pop music. So long as she keeps making stuff like this, there will be no need to be even slightly embarrassed about liking a Selena Gomez song ever again. Watch the video for Love You Like a Love Song here.

Medina – Addiction
It seems like there just isn’t anywhere near as much good dance music out there as there was 10 or 11 years ago, but every once and a while, something great and new song pops up unexpectedly. This, ladies and gents is one of the great ones. I was listening to BPM on XM Radio recently, and this song came on, and I immediately grabbed my phone to Shazam it; this track is catchy, and infectious. I have to say, that when I hear this, I can’t help but think of Anges’ incredible Release Me from a few years back; both songs are radio-ready dance tracks, and both are fantastic. I have hopes that Medina’s track can gain some traction, and get some US radio play like Agnes did. Fingers crossed; this song is too good not to cross over! Watch the video for Addition here.

Whew!! So there you go!! What did you think? Did you enjoy your reward for waiting on me to get back to the 5SF? I hope you did. Let me know what you thought, won’t you? Also, please let me know what you are listening to as well! Hopefully, it won’t be so long before the next 5SF!