DAM NATION Year-End List: 25 Songs of 2016

In 2016, we just worked and worked and worked, and even when we're home, we still worked. But since we're a motherf*ckin' Starboy, we went for some cheap thrills, rode someone's rover, met a dangerous woman who's walking from side to side, and we get in formation. In the end, all we needed was that one dance. Yup, that's probably the best way to sum up another spectacular year for mainstream pop music, so let's have the songs do it for us instead.

Just like every year, these are my picks for the 25 Songs of 2015: endless songs about love (as usual), a tribute for a departed friend, and even ditties with a lot of questions. These are the songs that I've shared on this blog at some point over the past 12 months.

Of course, this is admittedly a subjective list based on my personal judgments and preferences, but this list should also be a great conversation starter and feel free to agree or disagree. Either way there is a lot of great mainstream music - again, take note, MAINSTREAM MUSIC - to be found here.

DAM NATION Year-End List: 25 Songs of 2015 From Reality Singing Shows

This is something new for the year-end list this year. You see, DAM NATION thrived because of reality singing shows - in general - and I figured that it's terribly fine to recognize a few songs from different alumni of different shows that go unnoticed for 2015. Well, not everyone since some of the songs in this list were big commercial successes, but you know what I mean.

For a big fan of these shows, it's just interesting to see them survive the tough world of music and push themselves out of obscurity. Of course, there's Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, and One Direction in the mix, but you'd be surprised who else are in the list. 

Enjoy!

DAM NATION Year-End List: 25 Songs of 2015

In 2015, we were cheerleaders, we vouched that we're worth it, and we Marvin Gaye'd. We said hello, we confessed that we really really really like them, and then we said sorry even if it's too late. We cursed at that bitch who had our money, we got bad blood, we can't feel our face for a time, and we just got sick of that same old love. What do I mean? Shut up and dance with me! Ha. Yes, that's probably the best way to sum up another spectacular year for mainstream pop music, so let's have the songs do it for us instead.

Just like every year, these are my picks for the 25 Songs of 2015: endless songs about love (as usual), a tribute for a departed friend, and even ditties with a lot of questions. These are the songs that I've shared on this blog at some point over the past 12 months.

Of course, this is admittedly a subjective list based on my personal judgments and preferences, but this list should also be a great conversation starter and feel free to agree or disagree. Either way there is a lot of great mainstream music - again, take note, MAINSTREAM MUSIC - to be found here.

Enjoy!

DAM NATION Year End List: 25 Songs of 2012

In 2012, we all declared that we are young, we shined bright like a diamond and we've decided to give our hearts a break as we're never ever getting back together. Like, ever. Haha. But seriously, there is no way to sum up another spectacular year for mainstream pop music, so let's have the songs do it for us instead.

So, like every year, these are my picks for the 25 Songs of 2012: odes to bittersweet heartbreaks, songs about loving for a thousand years, and even tunes about a chemical element. They're all important as this definitely "moved" me at some point over the past 12 months.

Of course, this is admittedly a subjective list based on my personal judgments and preferences, but this list should also be a great conversation starter and feel free to agree or disagree. Either way there is a lot of great mainstream music - again, take note - to be found here.

Enjoy!

Music Premiere: Skyfall - Adele

Check out the new James Bond theme song Skyfall sung by the possibly the biggest artist today, Adele. The movie is due to premiere on October 23, 2012 in the United States.

This song has that classic James Bond sound that's rousing, anthemic and lush. I like how they incorporated the James Bond trademark of the slow building crescendo that transitions to the bridge with the accompanying orchestra. The verses are lovely and the final seconds of the song is gorgeous. Of course, Adele sounds impeccable. This woman can do no wrong no?

Listen to the song after the jump!

Music Premiere: Red - Taylor Swift

That's right, another Taylor Swift single! Apparently, during the four weeks preceding the debut of her new album, Red, one track will be released digitally on iTunes as promo single. This week, she released her second promotional single entitled Red - same title as her album.

I must say, Red is possibly my favorite track off her upcoming record. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together was catchy as heck, Begin Again was lovely, but this one has that replay value and stays in your head like a little earworm. The reverb electro effect, which almost seems like a vocal stutter, is a nice surprise and the bridge is particularly excellent. It also has an interesting blend of genres. It's clearly pop, but just as country as everything on country radio right now with the fiddle somewhere in there and some more banjo buried under the guitar solo. Not a BIG fan of Taylor Swift, but I can't get this out of repeat. Like, never. Haha.

Listen to the song after the jump!

Music Premiere: Locked Out Of Heaven - Bruno Mars

Check out Bruno Mars' lead single, Locked Out Of Heaven, off his sophomore album Unorthodox Jukebox set to be released on December 10, 2012.

At first listen, I admit that I was disappointed as the melody seemed weak for a Bruno Mars song, but it certainly has that retentive prowess - meaning, the song's a grower. I find the production really nice, it's original and non-generic. I definitely didn't expect this sound and I was bopping with the tune from the start to finish. Not as grandiose as Just The Way You Are or Grenade, but it evokes a vintage atmosphere that is typical Bruno Mars.

Listen to the song after the jump!

Music Premiere: Diamonds - Rihanna

.. and yes, we have ourselves another Rihanna track - this girl seriously needs some rest. Haha. Diamonds is her lead single off her seventh studio album set to be released in late November of this year.

With Rihanna, I guess you just don't know what to expect no? I was seriously expecting another club banger a la We Found Love and Where Have You Been - heavy on euphoric beats and pulsating club rhythms - but instead, we get a mid tempo track that's relatively light but still has that incredibly catchy hook. This is definitely a nice change of pace from her usual hectic dance beats and it's really refreshing to hear a song that's built around her voice and not the other way around. Great.

Listen to the song after the jump!

Music Premiere: Die Young - Ke$ha

Listen to her lead single, Die Young, which will be part of her sophomore album Warrior due for release on November 30, 2012.

While I'm not a big fan of Ke$ha, I find most of her songs entertainingly trashy and ridiculously catchy. Yes, there's nothing wrong with a mindless pop song, but Die Young is a little underwhelming. I think the song lacks a certain spark compared to her previous materials despite her distinctive sing/talk signature. It's still catchy, but I feel like Ke$ha can do better than this. To quote a friend, "the song doesn't have that Drunk-Pop + Dumpster Diva feel I enjoy." That said, radio will eat this up instantly. Oh, is it just me or is the opening riff sounds a lot like Flo Rida's Good Feeling? Haha.

Listen to the song after the jump!

Music Premiere: Begin Again - Taylor Swift

As part of DAM NATION's new "segment" - and since I don't think I'll continue with the monthly playlist since that screwed up my previous blog - I thought of another way to feature new songs released by big artists today.

Here is Taylor Swift's second single, Begin Again, off her upcoming fourth studio album Red to be released on October 1, 2012.

Her new song is actually a nice contrast to her first single, We Are Never Getting Back Together, as this is less pop and more country - if only for the mandolin and pedal steel mixed into the production. I think it's a lovely bittersweet song that may not exactly be a total departure from her previous materials melody wise, but it's lyrically more mature in the veins of Safe & Sound and Ronan. Plus, Taylor sounds great in this song.

Listen to the song after the jump!

Music: Fairytale - Jessica Sanchez

Aside from Joshua Ledet, American Idol Season 11 runner-up, Jessica Sanchez, also debuted a new song, Fairytale, which according to her is a little preview of what's in store for her fans in her upcoming debut album set to be released at the end of the year.

Catchy hook. Radio friendly melody. Age appropriate lyrics. Yes, the song is a bit generic and vocally lightweight, but this should play well with the younger demographic - same demo that made David Archuleta's Crush and Jordin Spark' Tattoo certified hits. So, while I was expecting Jessica's sound to be more Urban with a tinge of pop a la Beyonce or Rihanna and not Carly Rae Jepsen or Selena Gomez, I can somewhat see this as a potential hit for her. I just hope she can have the right mix of Urban and Pop on her upcoming album and they can try to take her in Beyonce's route. Enjoy!

Music: Broken Man - Joshua Ledet

A couple of American Idol Finalist from Season 11 and Haley Reinhart from Season 10 performed the other day at the iHeartRadio Concert in New York and a good number of new alums debuted new song. Joshua Ledet, debuted his new song, Broken Man, which I think will be part of his upcoming album.

While I'm not really a fan of his throwback style and this is definitely not the most current sounding song out there, I have a funny feeling that a certain radio format will eat this up. Joshua, yet again, proves that he can sing the heck out of whatever song he's given and with this arrangement, it gives him more opportunity to showcase his vocal prowess. The delivery is insane and amazingly soulful. I think his fans will love this, but I'm not sure if this will earn him new fans. Enjoy!

Album: Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2

For this week's episode, I wouldn't be posting a separate blog for the featured songs because they are in this record, The Christmas Album Volume 2. To be honest, the show's first Christmas album effort was far more superior than this, but there are a couple of gems here including a fantastic duet of The Glee Project's Lindsay and Alex, and a sultry version of Santa Baby by Santana. Enjoy!

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1. All I Want For Christmas Is You

2. Extraordinary Merry Christmas

3. Santa Baby

4. Christmas Eve With You

5. Little Drummer Boy

6. River

7. Do You Hear What I Hear

8. Let It Snow

9. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

10. Christmas Wrapping

11. Blue Christmas

12. Do They Know It's Christmas?

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Music: Baby, It's Cold Outside - Haley Reinhart and Casey Abrams

SO MUCH SEASON 10 GOODNESS NO? Haha.

Pia Toscano, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina and James Durbin got to release something after American Idol. Now, it's Haley Reinhart and Casey Abrams turn with this cute little homage to a holiday classic, Baby It's Cold Outside, which will be available on iTunes for download on November 21, 2011. 

Now, while I found their duet of Moanin' on American Idol incredibly phenomenal, this one is a bit lackluster in comparison. True, Haley still sounds gorgeous on this recording with such a rich and textured voice and Casey shows an uncharacteristic restraint beyond anything I saw on the show. Together though, the duet seemed disjointed.

I think Casey's voice sounds WAY too high on this that it didn't provide quite the right counterpoint to Haley's voice. This also ruined the seductive quality the song needed to actually work. It should have more sizzle, but it was kind of sterile. It's still cute though and I can't wait to have the full version of the song. All I'm saying is that this could've been better, but who am I to complain? At least I have something from them after Idol right? Enjoy!

LISTEN:

Music: The Trouble With Girls - Scotty McCreery

Here it is!! The debut single of Scotty McCreery, The Trouble With Girls, which will be including in his upcoming first album, Clear As Day, set to be released on October 4, 2011.

Now, I admit that I'm not the biggest Scotty fan, but this is a decent debut (not counting his coronation single) single. Yes, I was hoping for something more upbeat - in the same vein as Gone - but the song is full of sweet and caring if a bit sappy lyrics that's arguably age appropriate. I think a lot of people, particularly country fans, will like the message of the song and I can see this being a hit country song - think, Jesus Take The Wheel.

Music: Mr. Know It All - Kelly Clarkson

Here's Kelly Clarkson's new single, Mr. Know It All, off her long-awaited new album entitled Stronger, which will be out on October 25, 2011.

I admit, the song is a little lightweight compared to her previous songs, but the simplicity of Mr. Know It All is kind of refreshing for Kelly Clarkson. I love the richness of her voice and it's not as over processed as her vocals in My Life Would Suck Without You. I also didn't expect the interesting contrast between the staccato verses and the melodic chorus. Plus, the structure actually reminds me of Bruno Mars' Just The Way You Are.

Music: This Time - Pia Toscano

UPDATE: Yes, I'll stick with what I said about the song a couple of days ago. The song is very Jordin Spark's Tattoo in terms of the production - not exactly a bad thing - and Pia does have a beautiful voice.

Distinct? Not really, but at least she has that voice to work with. Given the right material, I can really see Pia as a HUGE recording artist. To me, this is a pretty decent-to-good debut single for someone who finished 9th. Just saying.
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Two days ago, I posted something about Pia Toscano getting signed and the release of her song ON TOUR. Well, last night was the American Idol 10's first tour stop - Salt Lake City - and here's a live version (video!) of her debut single, This Time.

As for the song, I can hear a potential hit. Sure, there's nothing particularly groundbreaking about it - not a fan of the lyrics, to be honest - but  the melody is catchy and, yes, Pia's voice just soars on this song. The back track actually reminds me of Jordin Sparks' Tattoo with a little touch of Beyonce's Irreplaceable. I'm still reserving my final judgment until I hear the studio version though, but this is actually better than I expected.

Music: Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) - James Durbin

Yesterday, I posted Haley Reinhart's You Oughta Know. Today, it's all about James Durbin and his unreleased (and unperformed) song that will be part of his American Idol Season 10 Highlights EP set to be released on June 28, 2011 by Walmart.

Personally, I like James when he's not all crazy with the vocal acrobatics and just sings the melody as it is. In this song, I think he sounds really good, but he also sounds awfully like the original - Green Day. Heck, it  doesn’t sound like him at all. I don't know. It's just a straight karaoke version of the original song.

LISTEN:

Music: You Oughta Know - Haley Reinhart

That's right!! Here's Haley Reinhart's studio version of You Oughta Know. Apparently, this is part of her American Idol Season 10 Highlights EP set to be released on June 28, 2011 by Walmart.

Her EP is composed of 5 songs: House Of The Rising Sun, Bennie and The Jets, Rolling In The Deep, What Is And What Should Never Be and the two songs which American Idol didn't release on iTunes, the Led Zepplin song, What Is And What Should Never Be and this Alanis Morisette hit You Oughta Know. Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina and James Durbin will also release their own EPs on the same date.

As for the recording, I think Haley sounds absolutely fantastic on this. Yes, I had problems with her live performance of You Oughta Know as I thought she muffed the tough fast part of the verses, but she - for obvious reasons - pulled this one off pretty nicely. I'm a fan.

LISTEN:

Music: Moves Like Jagger - Adam Levine & Christina Aguilera

You think this is off-topic? Well, there's some blog connection here! Adam Levine & Christina Aguilera are both judges/mentors of the new hit reality singing competition, The Voice. So obviously, this is not some random post.  Haha.

Now, as for the song, I personally think it's extremely catchy. Some may actually find the whistling a bit annoying, but that layer of instrumentation actually makes the song more interesting. I also like that they kept Christina Aguilera's riffing to a minimum. Good job!

LISTEN: