Coming up with a collection of songs that I enjoyed most this year is not easy. Often what I like depends on where I listen to music or the mood that I am in. However, there were a bunch of songs that I kept repeating on my iPod throughout 2006. I listed them all with brief commentary after the jump.
I included links to iTunes so you can listen to each of the song, or you can download the entire collection as an iTunes iMix:
Arling & Cameron "Shake It"
Fun and frothy, "Shake It" is pop perfection. This one is in my top three for the year.
Natalie Walker "No One Else"
Haunting track by a gifted vocalist.
The Killers "When You Were Young"
Killer tune. Killer lyrcis. Killer band.
The Feeling "Strange"
Powerful and true. This is one of the best coming out song I've ever heard. (This is not formally released in the U.S. yet.)
Van She "Kelly"
Smooth and silky '70s pop from down under.
Dangerous Muse "The Rejection"
A
hard-hitting debut with a hooky, minimalist synth riff.
Kelis "Bossy"
Pure girl power. Hip hip hop.
Scissor Sisters "Everybody Wants The Same Thing"
This song reflects the essence of Scissor Sisters. Lyrically & musically.
Imogen Heap "Glittering Cloud"
Immi makes music box magic.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs "Gold Lion"
Brilliant, swaggering post-punk tune. I say yeah, yeah, yeah to this one.
Lo-Fi-Fnk "Steppin' Out"
Made in Sweden. Fun, accomplished do it yourself pop without pretense.
Linus Loves "The Terrace"
Feel good, instrumental dance pop.
The Infadels "Love Like Semtex"
Explosive pop rock tune by one of the best live bands I've seen this year. They desperately need some attention. Give them your love.
Temposhark "Joy"
New generation British pop music with a bite.
India.Arie "Heart Of The Matter"
Heartfelt cover of the Don Henley original. Crystal-clear, high grade studio production.
Honorable mentions:
Shiny Toy Guns "You're The One"