Geekscape’s Top Singles Of 2011
I didn’t think I was a cheeseball full-fledged pop music-loving sap, but as I made this list, I realized that I am. (If you don’t enjoy Robyn, then I don’t enjoy you) I’m fully embracing that Lady GaGa is on my list more than once.
There is tremendous power in our associations with music, even when our associations are difficult. Thankfully, many videos these days offer us dance moves and costume changes.
Below are my favorite songs of this past year.
15) Helena Beat
Foster The People
Find out what would happen if Lord Of The Flies took place in the desert and as a music video.
14) We Are Young
fun. featuring Janelle Monae
Look out, 2012.
GLEE version:
13) Born To Die
Lana Del Rey
I will forever associate this song with my friend, Clare, who passed away on Christmas Day, way too young, with way too much still to give and to become. And no one was looking more forward to Del Rey’s debut album (due in January) than Clare.
12) Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall
Coldplay
Please don’t judge its emo title; I promise its good. Acid-trip paint splashes and Brian Eno-fications.
11) We Found Love
Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris
There was no getting away from this jam in 2011, much like Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” in 2010; catchy catchy catchy as hell pop music, provocative video bordering on not suitable for children. Plus a Chris Brown doppelganger!
10) Made In America (feat. Frank Ocean)
Jay-Z & Kanye West
That hook! Frank’s angelic voice!
9) Countdown
Beyonce
It just doesn’t leave your head once it gets in there. If it make me smile, I don’t complain.
8) I Can’t Make You Love Me/Nick Of Time
Bon Iver
Really never thought I’d hear a white dude with a beard cover Bonnie Raitt with such soul. Well done.
7) Sadness Is A Blessing
Lykke Li
This video. THIS VIDEO. Could you just….I don’t know, die of stoic Swedish overload in this video?! I want to live in a world where I can dance odd interpretive dances when I receive bad news.
6) You & I
Lady GaGa
There goes GaGa, with another legend sitting in on a track (Brian May from Queen shredding guitar), bending expectation by pop-rocking on a piano.
Absolutely bizarre (putting it mildly…) visuals to go with an absolutely ass-kicking raw song.
5) Ni**as in Paris
Jay-Z & Kanye West
While a sense of propriety keeps me from saying the actual title, I f-ing love this record. And sampling Will Ferrell? It’s provocative.
4) Call Your Girlfriend
Robyn
Pop music. I like pop music. A whole lot. Especially when it’s THIS good. And then there is a video to accompany it that is off-the-wall badass…and that’s also good.
3) Words I Never Said
Lupe Fiasco ft. Skylar Grey
Not for the faint of heart, or for those who lack passion.
2) Rolling In The Deep
Adele
This was everywhere this year, that’s for sure. Even my Dad (Neil Young’s biggest fan) liked it. Homegirl has presence even sitting stoically in a CHAIR, for crying out loud.
I think what I like most about this record is its vulnerability. I associate it with my friend, Melanie, who has spent this year kicking cancer’s ass. When Mel began chemotherapy, she chose to shave her head, ceremoniously with her family; a variation of Demi Moore in “G.I. Jane.” Rolling In The Deep was what was playing as she stood up, hair on the ground…it was what was playing when she first knew she would be ok.
1) The Edge Of Glory
Lady GaGa
Less for the official video, and more for the song. I love the Big Man, Clarence Clemons, of the E Street Band, and this was his the last record he tracked. His sax MAKES the song. Perfect.
The Google Chrome commercial speaks to my childhood, when I was a dancer. Before I worried about what I find myself worrying about now, as an adult. Paws up, geeks.
