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Post by billcs on Dec 24, 2004 21:59:54 GMT -5
It's a little earlier than usual, so I'm posting the first 10 (40-31) tonight, then the rest will follow for three consecutive days starting December 26. Happy holidays!
40. I DON'T WANNA KNOW - Mario Winans f/ Enya & P. Diddy "I Don't Wanna Know" shows signs that Mario Winans may be a great singer in the making. Unfortunately the track is somewhat prefab, featuring an Enya tune as the backdrop and P. Diddy's vocal blessings. But Winans' performance and the simplicity of the song rise above it all. Peak: #5
39. LOSE MY BREATH - Destiny's Child The highest DC had reached on the Tuned-On! Top 30 previously was #21 in 2001 with their cover of "Emotion". So this initially refreshing (but now somewhat tiresome) rollicking track from the Destiny Fulfilled CD showcased the vocal talents of Beyonce, Kelly and Michelle at their best - I can't see the trio eclipsing their success of 2000-01 though, so I expect the album is their last. Peak: #5
38. LOVE ME RIGHT - Angel City f/ Lara McAllen It's great to be retro when you pick the right song, a decent vocalist, and the right rhythm. Such is the case with Angel City's "Love Me Right", which borrows its hook from Ready For The World's 1985 #1 "Oh Sheila". This isn't brain surgery by any means, just a song that was catchy for a while mid-year that should stand the test of time. Peak: #4
37. IF I AIN'T GOT YOU - Alicia Keys The first of two gorgeous tunes on the year end list from the year's most (deservingly) visible female vocalist. Alicia fills the gap for those of us longing for old-style female vocal techniques mixed in with today's contemporary stylings. The girl has the market cornered right now. Peak: #7
36. EVERYTHING REMINDS ME OF YOU - Jewel & Joe Firstman 2004 marked the first year I considered Net-only tracks for inclusion in the Top 30. This song is a stunning pair-up with the versatile Jewel and relative newcomer Firstman (who appeared twice on last year's year end list with songs from his debut CD The War Of Women), who toured together many times during 2003-04. This is one song that works its way up to its vocal tour-de-force ending. Peak: #7
35. TU ES FOUTU (YOU PROMISED ME) - In-Grid This extremely droll house tune definitely loses something in the translation for me - certainly she sings 'tu m'as promis' in the song but the English loses 'tu es foutu' (i.e. 'you are ruined') - so in reality this is a diss song of ways truly European! If a song can make you smile and dance, then that's a good thing, and a rarity in 2004. Fortunately, it was included on the soundtrack to "Queer Eye For The Straight Guy" for North American release. Peak: #4
34. LOVE COMES AGAIN - Tiesto f/ BT A well-arranged meeting of two styles - the reknown Tiesto's musicality and singing DJ BT's vocalizing, which we heard in full force on BT's Emotional Technology CD in 2003 (yielding three songs that landed in my Top 20). The result is definitely a sonic blast, but it definitely makes me wonder what BT himself would do with this great song as a producer (and if he would use his own vocal) and what it might sound like if Tiesto used another singer. These guys are constantly proving that possibilities are endless. Peak: #5
33. PLUG IT IN - Basement Jaxx f/ JC Chasez This rather noisy collaboration between UK DJ's Basement Jaxx (best known previously for 2002's "Where's Your Head At", which got to #8 on my chart) and N Sync's Chasez, who I enjoyed solo with 2003's "Blowin' Me Up (With Her Love)" (#8) and on BT's "The Force Of Gravity" (#2). The result is an intense dance track that is enhanced by a hysterical video about the advantages and disadvantages of gorgeous female robots. Basement Jaxx are very, very clever, and not afraid to experiment (the Kish Kash CD also featured the Grammy- nominated "Good Luck" (#8) and vocals by Siouxsie Sioux among others), so be sure to watch these guys in the coming years. Peak: #5
32. IN THE SHADOWS - The Rasmus I got on board with this track as it charted throughout Europe in early 2003, then it proceeded to reach the Top 5 in the UK charts and got alt-rock and critical acclaim (and some pop radio airplay) in North America. This is an infectious song with a great chorus; the band seems to have heavy alt-rock trappings to bridge to continue with this level of success. Peak: #6
31. MOVE YA BODY - Nina Sky Just when reggae star Mr. Vegas attempts to crossover with the dancehall success of "Pull Up", along comes this New York duo whose producers borrow the same extremely catchy hook and rhythm and marry it to a much more commercially viable tune. Wonder of wonders, it worked even better than "Pull Up", but like Lumidee's "Never Leave You" in 2003 (which used another catchy but limiting rhythm), its strength ultimately becomes its weakness, and nearly wore out its welcome by year's end. Peak: #2
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I Got Soul.
Mr. Brightside
All this work keeping people from having sex. Now I know how the catholic church feels. ZING!
Posts: 10,836
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Post by I Got Soul. on Dec 24, 2004 22:32:49 GMT -5
Alicia, DC3, Nina Sky Hot.
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Post by billcs on Dec 27, 2004 9:26:31 GMT -5
30. CRY LITTLE SISTER - Lost Brothers f/ G Tom Mac One of the most unusual records of 2004 - evidently fueled by a cult following for the film "The Lost Boys" - is this dance redux of the theme song for that movie. When the original singer and songwriter, Gerard McMann, found out above the project, he graciously offered his services, thus producers The Lost Brothers featured McMann aka "G Tom Mac" once again on vocals. Accompanied by an intense "Lost Boys" inspired video, "Cry Little Sister" turned out to be the find of 2004 that was much less known in 1987. Peak: #4
29. MY IMMORTAL - Evanescence It was featured prominently in the film "Daredevil" in 2003, but Sony held off releasing it as a single until "Bring Me To Life" and "Going Under" had sailed the chart course. It's truly a gorgeous song featuring (IMO) the best Amy Lee vocal to date, and has already inspired other female singers to pursue a similar style. By the end of the year, it was a tad worn, but definitely a track that will typify a modern crossover rock style of 2003-04. Peak: #6
28. SOMEWHERE ONLY WE KNOW - Keane If you ever want sanctuary for yourself and that special person, check out what Keane has to say in "Somewhere Only We Know". Then revel in the sparkling, tingling, Jeff Buckley-influenced vocals of Tom Chaplin - the Buckley appeal is somewhat of a sucker-punch for me but not always known to others. Hopefully the song will signal a better crossover of the best UK talent to North American shores in 2005. Peak: #6
27. SMOOTH - iio The New York dance duo (who have yet to release a full CD) are back with their third hit on my chart following the Top 5 "Rapture (Tastes So Sweet)" and "At The End", both dance floor staples with me these past two years. Nadia Ali's lead vox once again carry the track through dance music history, leaving us begging for that full length CD. Peak: #5
26. FALL BEHIND - Naomi Striemer Once all of the M4B Charts Central message board accolades started, it was hard not to miss someone talking about Nova Scotia-raised (now U.S.-based) Naomi Striemer, who shunned a record deal with Sony in order to release her music herself. Thus a self-titled CD became available on the Net and "Fall Behind" has become a Net hit, reaching #11 on the Globalchart and debuting on Top Hits Online's Top 100 as well. Naomi's voice is one to listen for, she should by all rights have a major label deal. I expect this 21 year old will be well on her way to stardom within the next two years - yes the CD is very, very good. Peak: #5
25. THE WAY YOU MOVE - OutKast f/ Sleepy Brown Where would 2004 be without OutKast? Well it would be a lot less good natured and funky, for starters. "The Way You Move" made you crank up your car stereo and bounce along the highway - sometimes you just don't ask for more. Peak: #2
24. NAUGHTY GIRL - Beyonce In retrospect, I am much more impressed with Beyonce's solo debut than at first. This track sealed that deal for me, a close cousin to Donna Summer's "Love To Love You Baby" (which it quotes) but more directly related to Vanity 6's mid-80's hit "Nasty Girl" (which she has quoted in concert appearances at the beginning of the song). To me, "Naughty Girl" shows this singer's true vocal range and playful choice of material. I'm looking forward to her sophomore effort whenever she decides to give up Destiny's Child. Peak: #3
23. BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS - Green Day Just when you think Green Day has run out of new ideas, they returned after a four year absence with a (shudder the thought) concept album, still carried by the alternately punchy or somewhat tender melodies that their fans have long enjoyed. With international success this time much more than expected, the American Idiot CD became a huge worldwide hit, but this second single is what sealed the deal with North American audiences (and probably lonely teens) in North America. Peak: #4
22. CADILLAC DRESS - soulDecision From the Canadian band (now quintet)'s second CD (their first since 2000), "Cadillac Dress" is one of the year's most underappreciated releases. Carried by an incessantly funky melody, Trevor Guthrie's lyrical wordplay is carried by the tradition started by "Faded" 5 years ago. Combined by a tight performance and production, soulDecision was back with a bit of a question mark - this song was released to radio with no commercial release and no accompanying album until November. It deserves a second chance - perhaps a U.S. release might make that happen. Peak: #4
21. HEY MAMA - Black Eyed Peas Black Eyed Peas have survived a number of radio remixes to land in Grammy land in 2004. All of their hits from the Elephunk CD were remixed for airplay - and got it in spades. "Hey Mama" was used for a ubiquitous iTunes commercial and the reggae-tinged tune quickly found its way across stations throughout the world. Not bad for a group that seemed to be a flavour of the month back in 2001. Peak: #3
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Post by FreakyFlyBry on Dec 27, 2004 10:35:01 GMT -5
Mario Winans, Destiny's Child, Angel City, Alicia Keys, In-Grid, Rasmus, Nina Sky, Evanescence, Keane, Naomi Striemer, Outkast, Beyoncé, Green Day, Soul Decision, Black Eyed Peas ;D Great start!
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I Got Soul.
Mr. Brightside
All this work keeping people from having sex. Now I know how the catholic church feels. ZING!
Posts: 10,836
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Post by I Got Soul. on Dec 27, 2004 13:28:19 GMT -5
Evanescnece, GD, Beyonce, and BEP Fantastic tunes.
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Post by billcs on Dec 28, 2004 10:44:06 GMT -5
The next 20 songs delve into a lot of personal and not necessarily commercial favourites of mine - I would suggest that you check out each one of these songs if you haven't already heard them!
20. GIVE IT ALL AWAY - Ben Jelen 25 year old New York-based Ben Jelen is one of a couple of 'piano man' finds for 2004. This title track from his debut CD is an earnest lyrical piece complemented by terrific piano work. I like songwriters like Jelen who can write stuff that suits their voice and style. He's also one of a select few artists signed to a major label who have benefitted almost exclusively from downloads and articles from the Net, in addition to touring within the U.S. His website offers a download of a track ("Come On") from his CD as well as a few videos. Peak: #3
19. WHEN IT COMES - Tyler Hilton 21 year old California-based Tyler Hilton is another find for 2004 - a guitar player who writes simple songs that are taken from real life. His tunes have a sly sense of humour, including this introductory song from his full length CD The Tracks Of. His style is pop/rock with a folky edge to it, more along the lines of John Mayer's "Bigger Than My Body" as a reference point. I'm hoping for big things for Tyler in 2005 because the CD is terrific, providing his record company can get it released outside of the U.S. Peak: #3
18. THAT GIRL - McFly McFly has a different dilemma than Tyler Hilton - they can have their debut CD Room On The Third Floor released everywhere in the world but North America! This UK 'boy band' quartet has a real sense of melody, unlike other compadres like Busted (who have failed to take off in North America). Funny enough, "That Girl", a very-Beatlesesque tune IMO, was their third single in the U.K. and didn't get to #1. Perhaps we'll see a North American release in 2004 but I wouldn't hold my breath. I think the UK 'boy band' thing may have to pass, which is too bad because this is fun stuff. Peak: #2
17. FALLING DOWN - Ben Jelen "Falling Down" is a very emotional song for anyone who is going through hard times, and Ben puts it across so well that it was featured in the 2003-04 season finale of "Las Vegas" (along with Ben, briefly, as well). I'm very appreciative of singers like him who take a different path than what's on the pop chart. I expect him to do quite well in the coming years. Peak: #2
16. SATELLITE (Above & Beyond Mix) - Oceanlab There wasn't as much dance music on my chart as in 2003, but "Satellite" is quintessential trance, featuring vocals by Justine Suissa, who you may have heard also on "Burned With Desire" by Armin Van Buuren. The Above & Beyond mix (A&B are Oceanlab) sparkles like the title image they want to convey, creating a danceable feeding frenzy in the process. Peak: #1 (1)
15. CRABBUCKIT - K-Os If you didn't know K-Os from his previously released CD's in Canada, you got to hear him rapping in The Chemical Brothers' "Get Yourself High" earlier in the year. Astralwerks Records (the Chemical Brothers' company) signed K-Os and mid-year released his CD Joyful Rebellion. "Crabbuckit" is a curious piece that blends rap, jazz, R&B, and pop - very representative of his Toronto origins. If anything it sneaks in a page from Remy Shand's success story of a few years back, to create a quirky song that found its place in Canadian radio without any problem whatsoever. And talk about confident - if K-Os continues to build on his success, I hope someone will take a few moments to tone the guy down before he talks his way out of a great career... Peak: #2
14. MY TIME - Dutch featuring Crystal Waters 2004 started off the same way as 2002 did - with a #1 song sung by Crystal Waters. In 2002 it was "Come On Down", and "My Time" follows a positive pattern for dance club success with a tune that was also very radio friendly. No brain surgery required here - only happy feet. Peak: #1 (2)
13. THEY MIGHT SAY - Mitchell Hunter My second 'piano man' find for 2004 is an independent artist also (like Naomi Striemer from Nova Scotia). Produced by Creighton Doane (Melanie's brother), Mitchell's debut CD is a simple record that relies on interesting stories to carry it through. "They Might Say" is the opening track and the CD's highlight, telling one of those stories that warrants multiple listens. Hopefully some major label record company will think likewise and sign Mitchell to a deal in 2005 so that the rest of the world can find out about this fine new talent. Peak: #1 (3)
12. YOU DON'T KNOW MY NAME - Alicia Keys Alicia is the new century's first songstress at the piano - she writes them, plays them, and belts them out, all in keeping with those great vocalists before her. Only with her second CD, she is rewriting the book on how to make great records and still keep a level head when you hear her speak. A deserved success who will continue to be a classic for her generation. Peak: #1 (1)
11. HEY YA - OutKast The song (and video) that was everywhere in 2003/04 is still very deserving to rank highly a year later. What carries this song the most for me is the frenetic energy and rhythm - it's not really about anything in particular but it's guaranteed to get a stadium full of people dancing, even if theydon't know what they're dancing about. Truly a production and performance tour de force. Peak: #2
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I Got Soul.
Mr. Brightside
All this work keeping people from having sex. Now I know how the catholic church feels. ZING!
Posts: 10,836
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Post by I Got Soul. on Dec 28, 2004 12:35:40 GMT -5
Alicia I kick myself for not charting that one.
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Post by Jawshii on Dec 28, 2004 13:50:22 GMT -5
Nice to see The Rasmus up there, Evanescence, Green Day!
Can't wait for the Top 10!
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Post by billcs on Dec 29, 2004 11:47:30 GMT -5
10. GIVE IT AWAY – Deepest Blue Chalk up another one for the sensitive singer/songwriter who chooses to set his song to a danceable beat. That was the basis for 2003’s #1 “Deepest Blue”, and history repeats itself with “Give It Away”. Unfortunately by the time of release of the UK duo’s debut CD Late September, they chose to go in a more simplistic pop direction, resulting in no further hits and no North American release. Hopefully they’ll rethink and have a few more gems like “Give It Away” up their sleeves. Peak: #1(1)
09. MY MY MY – Armand Van Helden I raved about the frenetic vocal in this song when I first heard it – then found out the Van Helden genius is at it again, since he sampled a 1981 track by Gary Wright (of “Dream Weaver” fame) called “Comin’ Apart” from Wright’s album The Right Place (which I’m old enough to say that I heard at time of release!) for the (sped up) vocals!! Not sure if he added the vocals after the base of the track was made or the other way around, but “My My My” is certainly an ear-tugging dance floor stormer. If you don’t recognize the name, Armand Van Helden’s first dance hit came about 10 years ago with “The Witch Doktor”; he then had a #1 UK hit in 1999 with “U Don’t Know Me”, featuring the R&B stylings of Duane Harden (also my #7 song of that year). Peak: #1(2)
08. SHE WILL BE LOVED – Maroon5 They pulled off hard edged songs like “Harder To Breathe” (my #30 song of 2003) and broke out of modern rock land, then we found that the softer side of Maroon5 emerged in 2004 with songs like “She Will Be Loved”. This was one of the most obvious and deserved hits of the year. Peak: #2
07. FLAWLESS (GO TO THE CITY) – George Michael Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that M.I.A. singer George Michael would make two of my favourite songs of the year! While the rest of his CD Patience was too much of a mixed bag for me, a song like “Flawless (Go To The City)” (a redux of a 2002 dance hit called “Go To The City” by The Ones) stands out with well sung lyrics in a decent mix – a dance break triggered by ‘you’ve got to go to the city’ for a city boy like me just works big time! What also helped immensely is the outstanding Grammy-nominated video for the song, which was shot in one take. Peak: #1(1)
06. ROCK U – Laurent Konrad ‘You know in 1987 I was dancing in a discotheque And people were coming up to me and saying ‘What is this s**t?’ I said it’s house music baby Well they said it’ll never last…’
For someone who has been as engrossed with dance music as me over the decades, “Rock U” is a tribute to those of us who follow trends closely and find out that some of them do indeed last for many, many more years. To compliment this tribute, French producer Konrad surrounded the theme with an undeniably infectious house rhythm – crank it up for 3:13 of dance music bliss. Peak: #1(2)
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I Got Soul.
Mr. Brightside
All this work keeping people from having sex. Now I know how the catholic church feels. ZING!
Posts: 10,836
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Post by I Got Soul. on Dec 29, 2004 12:44:10 GMT -5
Maroon 5 And I love how you are one of the few, if not the only, who plays those rather catchy dance singles you can only hear on z103.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2004 13:05:07 GMT -5
Great to see Evanescence, Green Day and Alicia Keys in there ;D
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Post by billcs on Dec 29, 2004 16:46:19 GMT -5
And I love how you are one of the few, if not the only, who plays those rather catchy dance singles you can only hear on z103. Thanks Roger - sometimes I learn about them before Z103 plays them, sometimes after (referring to "My My My" and "Rock U").
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Post by billcs on Dec 30, 2004 19:01:06 GMT -5
05. SWAY (Ralphi’s Salsation Vox Edit) – Michael Bublé One of Canada’s increasingly popular exports (and recent Juno Award winner) created, for me, one of the most enjoyable CD’s of 2003. Then remixers, like Ralphi Rosario, got a hold of “Sway”, one of Bublé’s best interpretations, and went to town on it without taking away from either the song or Bublé’s performance. Therefore it became a club hit and is absolutely impossible to resist – just one of those Las Vegas-influenced moments, even if Bublé’s singing is funneled through Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Paul Anka, all via Harry Connick Jr., to arrive in dancefloor land. Peak: #1(2) 04. YEAH – Usher featuring Ludacris & Lil’ JonWhoever decided to let the production of Lil’ Jon loose on an Usher song made a great decision, for this song almost didn’t end up on Usher’s Confessions CD until Jon made it his own. Throw in an acrobatic vocal performance by Usher and a pat-on-their-backs rap from Ludacris, and you have one of the most (initially) unique records that redefined hip hop in 2004 and will indeed hold the test of time. Peak: #1(2) 03. LOLA’S THEME – ShapeshiftersTake 80’s styled vocals, 70’s disco era via Philadelphia soul embellishments, and 90’s styled house music, and the result is one of the most uplifting and enjoyable releases of 2004. Once again, there is no need for overdoing things, simplicity makes the best songs, and the Shapeshifters production team knows that by taking critical samples from our past, they will make you want more. Hell, I first heard this song as, essentially, an instrumental, with a different vocalist singing the chorus (the only lyrics in the song) – and that to me is the best version. Peak: #1(3) 02. AMAZING – George MichaelGive this song to me in its original, more laid back AC style, or in its inviting Full Intention club remix – either way it’s a tremendous comeback for George, his best record IMO since his 1993 cover medley “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone/Killer”, which ranked in my Top 20 of that year. This song gave good reason for George to stick around and enhance his music career, it’s too bad that other personal issues and concerns (such as about fans on his message board) tend to get in the way of what should by all rights be a reignited career. Peak: #1(3) 01. THIS LOVE – Maroon5The last time my favourite song of the year was also the Globalchart’s #1 song of the year was in 2001, with Lifehouse’s “Hanging By A Moment”. Upon hearing “This Love” a couple of times, I drove to a record store and quickly purchased the Songs About Jane CD. “This Love” convinced me, more than did “Harder To Breathe”, that there was an incredible, structured and layered talent behind Maroon5. And so the CD revealed blues, rock and R&B influences in the writing and the musicianship, and a very convincing frontman/vocalist in Adam Levine, who I believe has one of the best new voices in the biz. So look to Maroon5 to be around for a long, long time, making great, timeless music like “This Love” and “She Will Be Loved”. Peak: #1(3) Complete Top 40 list is available at my website: www.geocities.com/tunedon/bestof2004.htmlHappy New Year everyone!
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I Got Soul.
Mr. Brightside
All this work keeping people from having sex. Now I know how the catholic church feels. ZING!
Posts: 10,836
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Post by I Got Soul. on Dec 30, 2004 19:26:34 GMT -5
Usher and Maroon 5 ;D Very nice year-end Bill!
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Post by scot on Jan 15, 2005 11:59:01 GMT -5
Nice to see Green Day, The Rasmus, Evanescence and Keane all making it! ;D
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