Songs of 2011

It's that time of year, when I look back at the music and the memories.
2011 is one filled with lots of partying, some low moments and generally a lack of time.

Musically, it was a rich and exciting year. Never boring, and something was always in my head.

Lets look at my top 10 songs of 2011.

I think 2011 was filled with songs that beckoned to lose your inhibitions, or to just forget your troubles and have fun and party away. In a way, I felt myself loosen up as a person and become more open and accepting.
These songs contributed in a way.

10. Pitbull - Give Me Everything (ft. Neyo, Afrojack and Nayer)
My first thought when I read about this song was how many singers do you need to collaborate in a single song?! But then I saw hot it all came together. Pitbull's catchy rapping, Neyo's sultry voice, the pounding synth. Great stuff.

9. Shakira - Rabiosa (ft. Pitbull)
Like most songs I end up liking, I first found this to be very annoying. But I also couldn't get enough of it. Funny aren't I? There's something about this latin groove that I just can't resist. Incidentally, Pitbull is featured in this one too.

8. J. Lo - On the Floor (ft. Pitbull)
J. Lo's smash hit of the year. I felt like it borrowed both on the infectious hook of Lambada as well as the familiarity of the accordion similar to how its used in "Stereo Love", but also that she really transformed all that and made it her own. Nonetheless, super catchy so I loved it. Once again, hello Pitbull.

There was a lot of revisiting in 2011 for me - This next song sums up one portion of that nostalgia. I think everyone probably has someone that got away. I know I do, and even though its something I've gotten over, this really taps into that memory.

7. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
Last year was like Katy Perry year for me, if I recall correctly. This year for me, there was only The One from her. For its emotional sappiness, I think its the perfect end of year song to hit before Christmas. I like that its relatable, and the fact that you can still wail the chorus even when you're crying.

In 2011 I also feel like I know myself, what I am in life, and what I want to be, more than ever before. It used to be such a haze because I'd simply not have known better. In some ways, it relates to this next song, being on the edge...

6. Lady Gaga - The Edge of Glory
Comeback de Gaga! I must say, melodically I'm really loving her new stuff a lot more than her Fame era stuff. The Edge of Glory has that feel good that I've never heard from Gaga at all, even though this song is really about dying. This could be my balloon song of the year.

5. Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger (ft. Christina Aguilera)
More club friendly dance music. I like this because its refreshingly not electro compared to the other dance stuff out there. In that sense its really got an old school charm about it.

4. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem (ft. Lauren Bennett & Goonrock)
Possibly the party song of the year. The one that got the whole world shuffling. Funny how I first heard this when I was doing my in-camp training in some jungle near the sea. Actually made it kinda enjoyable.
Everyday I'm shuffling.

3. Lady Gaga - Judas
Ah-ah.. ah ah ah.. No other singer makes singing oohs and ahs, or speaking in monotone sound as fun. And Judas is the epitome of Gaga-style earworm pop. I call it the Bad Romance of 2011.

I've not been in a serious relationship or heartbreak for a while and in some ways this next song makes me wish I was. I get how raw this is and definitely see myself relating to it. And yet, I know I've never been someone reliant on relationships to find stability, so it is a conflict within me.

2. Adele - Someone Like You
The Emo song of 2011. The one for people to cry their hearts out to, and the one that everyone either loves of hates. I admire Adele for bringing us back to basics, to music that doesn't involve electronic beats or effects, auto tune, nor talks about getting wasted, partying or the like. Without the theatrics, she still manages to deliver a ballad that captures our hearts.

1. Nicki Minaj - Super Bass
I wouldn't have expected it, but my top song of 2011 is by Nicki Minaj. Before this I used to hate her because of the way she rapped and did all her trash talk. But this song... its fun, playful and is just a really happy song with excellent hooks. Also, I thought the rap bits were really good too - addictive and catchy, easy to sing along and thats the kinda track I was looking for, and yes you get slapped if you looking ho.

Songs that didn't make the list but get special mention.

Girls Generation - The Boys
I *heart* Girls Generation. I find The Boys strangely catchy, especially the chorus and rap, and a really commendable effort for mostly non-native English speaking singers. (linked the KOR version cos the ENG version is blocked in my region wtf)

Big Bang - Tonight
This year's list is English only, so this wouldn't have made the list even though its really up there. Its also one of the only K-Pop songs I listened to in 2011. I like how they bring 5 different singing styles together in 1 harmonious flow, and better than ever before.

Selena Gomez & The Scene - Love You Like A Love Song
This gets mentioned for being the most annoying song in the world. Unlike other songs that annoy me that I eventually love, this one has remained in the catchy but annoying phase for forever. I think its the Selena Gomez effect.

Anyway. Those are the songs of 2011 from me.
If I had to sum them up.. I'd say they represented opening up, remembering the past, and finding myself.

Looking forward to 2012 :)