More Favorite Songs of 2025

  I recently listed my Top 10 Favorite Songs of 2025. Just for clarification let me explain that those songs all had to meet the eligibility for that list by reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 during 2025. I happen to be one of those people that believes that "It's not a hit until it's a hit on Billboard". Just in case you don't know, in order to reach the top of the Billboard HOT 100, a song must get the most sales, streams and radio airplay for any given week.

There were lots of other songs that I loved in 2025 that failed to make the top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart. Here's a list of some of my other favorites in 2025. One thing that I can say about all of these songs is that it's a shame it didn't get more streams, sales and airplay to do better on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart.

In the ideal world, great songs from Country, Pop, Dance and R and B would all find their way to the upper positions of the Billboard HOT 100.

Bad Dreams - Teddy Swims: With Lose Control refusing to leave the charts who would even know that Teddy Swims has LOTS of other great songs that are even better. Bad Dreams is just one example of the entertaining and diverse offerings waiting for fans on his albums.           

Up and Down - Chris Housman: Country music is best when it's telling real life stories that listeners can relate to. It doesn't get more real and more relatable than this completely accurate portrait of the world we are currently living in.           

Play This Song - Mariah Carey: She's got more weeks at #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 than any other artist and she's still serving the best there is. This duet with Anderson Paak is smooth R&B ear candy for enjoying on repeat.        

Warning Label - The Kentucky Gentlemen: These brothers have an amazing album that is ushering in the Rhinestone Revolution! Out and proud and offering music for dancing, crying and everything in between.          

Creme Brulee - David Archuleta: This American Idol 1st runner up is a whole new man now that he has come out as his true self. His music is showing the free spirit waving with pride. The video for this song is especially spectacular with its dance choreography that we all wish we had come up with.        

Hoedown - Ink: She's written songs for Beyonce on Cowboy Carter, but she saved this party anthem for herself. If this doesn't make you want to get up and join the line dancing fun then nothing will. 

Love In Real Life - Lizzo: Lizzo is such an amazing talent giving us this uplifting chorus that honors and respects the legends who paved the way and are no longer with us. The guitar riffs are reminiscent of Prince while the video pays tribute to Michael Jackson's Thriller.        

Giddy Up - Brooke Eden: The line dance just adds to the fun of listening to this great song. What an honor and a pleasure it was to be the "opening act" for Brooke at Market Days this year. She's an inspirational artist and genuinely kind person.         

Mystical Magical - Benson Boone: He can get physical, mystical magical physical and flip in his sequined jump suit all day every day performing this song. The fans will be there.         

Southern Spectacle - Adam Mac: This song is a celebration of queer country love and acceptance set to a catchy dance beat. It's nice to have it making our lives better and the world a better place.      

Top 10 Songs of 2025

 The Top 10 songs of 2025!!

2025 has been a great year for fun pop songs getting into the upper portion of the Billboard HOT 100 Singles chart but the biggest hits of 2024 stuck around for so long it made it hard for the new songs to break through. That being said, Here's my Top 10 favorite songs of the year:

Manchild - Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina is the top spokesmodel for making pop music FUN again. Everything about this song is pure entertainment. The dance pop arrangement is a throwback to the carefree joy of the 1970's. The lyrics are hilarious and witty while all of it is sing-a-long catchy and joyful.         

APT.  - Bruno Mars and Rose

The title stands for "apartment" which also references a popular Korean drinking game adding a cultural context to the song, but all that really matters is that it was the best song for creating fun dancing videos on social media all year. Bruno Mars continues to prove himself as an unstoppable hit making machine and KPop is going to just keep getting bigger. 

Golden - HUNTR/X 

KPop Demon Hunters premiered on Netflix and exploded into a music/movie cultural phenomena unlike anything we've seen since Grease and Saturday Night Fever. Fans weren't just watching the movie over and over again, they were taking every song on the soundtrack up to the top of the charts. This is just the best of the best on this stellar musical movie experience.           

Love Me Not - Ravyn Lenae

It's so great to hear a catchy and soulful R&B song getting crossover mainstream acceptance. Just like all the biggest hits these days it grew from social media trends to heavy rotation on the radio.              

The Giver - Chappell Roan

She started the year winning the Grammy for Best New Artist and followed it up with this evidence that she is a truly authentic artist who will not be confined by boundaries. Her take on country music is refreshing, true to the genre while also being completely original.          

Anxiety - Doechii

Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye is a prominent sample in this song making it instantly familiar, but it's elevated into an all-new pop masterpiece with her skills, talent and captivating personality.           

Luther - Kendrick Lamar and SZA

The moment the song begins with the velvety vocals of Luther Vandross you know you're going to want to hear more. Kendrick and SZA add just enough of the present day to make relevant while we all know that the classic sample is the only reason we like it.       

Soda Pop - Saja Boys

These cute boy band singers and dancers have exactly what it takes to lure us in. It's so good we don't even want the KPop Demon Hunters to rescue us from their evil intentions.       

Daisies - Justin Bieber

This former teen star is already 31 and still able to deliver a catchy pop smash hit. He's a little more elusive as he gets older shying away from the spotlight, but the music is better anyway when you don't care anything about their personal life.      

Ordinary - Alex Warren 

This song just showed up on the charts out of nowhere and it's showing no signs of going away. Who knows, it may follow the long-charting trend of the 2024 songs and be one of the biggest songs of 2026. 

More Favorite Songs of 2024

  I recently listed my Top 10 Favorite Songs of 2024. Just for clarification let me explain that those songs all had to meet the eligibility for that list by reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 during 2024. I happen to be one of those people that believes that "It's not a hit until it's a hit on Billboard". Just in case you don't know, in order to reach the top of the Billboard HOT 100, a song must get the most sales, streams and radio airplay for any given week.

There were lots of other songs that I loved in 2024 that failed to make the top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart. Here's a list of some of my other favorites in 2024. One thing that I can say about all of these songs is that it's a shame it didn't get more sales and airplay to do better on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart.

In the ideal world, great songs from Country, Pop, Dance and R and B would all find their way to the upper positions of the Billboard HOT 100.

Houdini - Dua Lipa: Her latest album is one outstanding dance pop vocal showcase after another and all of the songs deserved to be at the top of the charts this year. Still playing her on repeat and loving it all.          

Guilty As Sin - Chris Housman: This out and proud self-proclaimed "Blueneck" delivers the most romantic love song perfect for dancing a midnight waltz. And when you're not too busy dancing, pay close attention to the steamy music video.          

Miles On It - Kane Brown: For going on 9 years now Kane Brown has provided some of the biggest and hottest hits including this catchy sing-a-long jam yet he continues to be denied the CMA, ACM and Grammy nominations and wins. 2024 was another year of him showing he's one of the best.       

Made For Me - Muni Long: This song did it's best to usher in the return of R&B to the crossover mainstream and it was a welcome addition to playlists everywhere. Special thanks to the legendary Mariah Carey for adding her talent to the remix and broadening the audience even more.         

Cab In A Solo - Scotty McCreery: This American Idol winner is continuing to be a success because of great songs like this one that is perfect for dancing a stationary cha cha. His deep voice with a great beat is the magic combination that keeps us coming back for more.       

Not My Fault - Renee Rapp: With Wicked still a whole year away we were treated to this new pop track from the Mean Girls soundtrack and it was the ideal fun and entertainment to satisfy our needs.       

Dust Off Your Boots - Adam Mac: Country music is so much more when you have the style and creativity of Adam Mac livening things up with this fabulous serving of Disco Cowboy Country Boogie. Seriously, dust off your boots and get up and dancing!       

Austin - Dasha: Here's your text book example of what a new artist should release if they want to blow up big on social media and reach the crossover mainstream general public. Everyone is still creating their own videos line dancing to this surprise hit.        

My Side of the County - Mickey Guyton: When you broaden your scope and expose yourself to new and different artists like Mickey you're going to want to join in with her and heel, toe, do si do! Her side of the country is a great side to be on!        

High Hopes - Chris Housman: His album Blueneck is the absolutely BEST ALBUM of the YEAR. From this opening track to the album closer the nicest guy in music delivers the goods. Do yourself a favor and check it out.      

Top 10 Songs of 2024

 The Top 10 songs of 2024!!

2024 has been a great year for fun pop songs getting into the upper portion of the Billboard HOT 100 Singles chart. Here's my Top 10 favorite songs of the year:

A Bar Song (Tipsy) - Shaboozey

The success of this HUGE smash hit is completely thanks to the amazing Beyonce who included new artists like Shaboozey on her outstanding and innovative album Cowboy Carter. She shined the spotlight on him and the crossover mainstream general public learned about this infectious song. We couldn't get enough of it!        

Yes, and... - Ariana Grande

We already know she's an all-around talent who excels at everything, but one of the reasons for that is because she has respect and knowledge about the amazing music and artists that paved the way. This song is a celebration of Madonna's Vogue with its throbbing dance beat and the video is a tribute to Paula Abdul's Cold Hearted. In addition, the remix includes Mariah Carey, the Queen of the Remix!!      

Water - Tyla 

While this song was a very big hit, it should have been even bigger. Tyla has everything it takes to be the next big thing with her catchy songs, great vocals and impressive visuals. The problem is that the industry is holding her back and boxing her into the limited Afro Beats category instead of giving her the full-on POP crossover mainstream push. With the proper promotion there would be no stopping her.         

Too Sweet - Hozier

This is that pop smash you'd hear in the background and ask "what is this?" and "will you play it for me again!" It's undeniably enjoyable music.             

Texas Hold Em - Beyonce

Beyonce is the #1 Pop Artist so far this century because she DELIVERS the crowd-pleasing smash hits. Everyone online was creating dance videos to this song and everyone else was watching them on repeat. She's so good at what she does and we are just lucky to be here and enjoy it. And on top of that, she truly has an important socio-political point of view that reaches far beyond her own personal success that uplifts and celebrates others.         

Espresso - Sabrina Carpenter

This little dynamo achieved unheard of success having THREE songs in the top ten at the same time for over a month. The secret was that the songs were just fun and catchy.          

Die With A Smile - Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga

Bruno Mars is truly a master at creating pop music. He knows what he's doing and it was so nice of him to bring Lady Gaga along for the ride on this one.      

Lose Control - Teddy Swims

The surprise success of the year is Teddy Swims getting more popular week after week all year long. This song just kept connecting with a bigger audience. That's what happens with great music.      

We Can't Be Friends - Ariana Grande

As we waited all year to finally see Ariana Grande show off her acting, singing and dancing in Wicked, we had this fantastic song to hold us over.     

I Had Some Help - Post Malone 

Post Malone proved this year that he's capable of handling any genre of music and making it into smash hit popular songs. His country album is jam-packed with strong collaborations like this one that you're not going to be able to resist no matter how hard you try.    

More Favorite Songs of 2023

    I recently listed my Top 10 Favorite Songs of 2023. Just for clarification let me explain that those songs all had to meet the eligibility for that list by reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 during 2023. I happen to be one of those people that believes that "It's not a hit until it's a hit on Billboard". Just in case you don't know, in order to reach the top of the Billboard HOT 100, a song must get the most sales, streams and radio airplay for any given week.

There were lots of other songs that I loved in 2023 that failed to make the top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart. Here's a list of some of my other favorites in 2023. One thing that I can say about all of these songs is that it's a shame it didn't get more sales and airplay to do better on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart.

In the ideal world, great songs from Country, Pop, Dance and R and B would all find their way to the upper positions of the Billboard HOT 100.

If You Go Down (I'm Goin Down Too) - Kelsea Ballerini: Just listening to this song is a lot of fun, but Kelsea took us a step further and delivered the visuals to elevate this to best of the year status! The official video is comedic, campy fun and entertainment perfection. But her performance of the song on the CMT Video Music Awards was a grand slam hitting it out of the park. The joyful exuberance of seeing so many of our favorite drag performers on stage with her was the cherry on the top of this fantastic song.         

In Your Love - Tyler Childers: This is genuinely the most truly heartfelt and wonderful love song ever. But the fact that this love is conveyed with a music video showing two men who find each other, share their love for each other and heartbreaking lose each other makes it a cinematic work of art worthy of awards.         

Dancing In The Country - Tyler Hubbard: First and foremost, a favorite song of the year has to be catchy with a great beat that makes me want to dance and sing along with it. From the first time I heard this to the millionth time I simply had fun and enjoyed it. It has a really fun and entertaining video as well.      

I'm Not Here To Make Friends - Sam Smith: Starting out the year with a #1 hit (Unholy) didn't necessarily mean that the follow up singles were going to get support. This one is preferred to have been the big hit, but the fickle fans didn't agree with me.        

Same Here - Brad Paisley: When country music gets it right it's able to tell stories that bring diverse people together. This is a beautiful song that illustrates how we fundamentally have so much in common with the people of Ukraine as they fight for their country. This song not only gets it right - it exemplifies country music at its best.      

Lottery - Latto: Talk about a pop anthem that checks all the boxes! This one has it all. A great beat. Fun lyrics. Catchy hook. It is absolutely mind boggling how it went overlooked on the charts this year! I am very happy that I found it and at least had it in heavy rotation on my own playlist.      

Tell Me Ray - Jon Wayne Hatfield: With a song this great it's shocking to believe that this American Idol contestant didn't even make the Top 20! But the love and support he has for his grandpa, Ray, comes through so beautifully in every word. For this reason alone, he will always be a winner.      

Waffle House - Jonas Brothers: This boy-band of brothers do a great job not just serving up the fun pop jams, but also serving them up with a little unexpected twist that keeps them from being basic cookie cutter, run of the mill songs. After enjoying this song I have never wanted to have a deep conversation at a Waffle House this much!       

Rock and a Hard Place - Bailey Zimmerman: This new guy comes along with this great song that is all over the place. That's it. It's a good song.       

Thank God - Kane Brown: Despite his ever-growing catalog of great music, Kane remains one of the most underrated artists out there. When he should be getting nominations and winning CMA's, ACM's and Grammy's he remains completely over-looked. But at least this song, with his wife as his duet partner, took home the (fan voted) 2023 CMT Award for Video of the Year.     

Top 10 Songs of 2023

 The Top 10 songs of 2023!!

2023 has been a great year for fun pop songs getting into the upper portion of the Billboard HOT 100 Singles chart. Here's my Top 10 favorite songs of the year:

Dance The Night - Dua Lipa

With the use of this song in the most exuberant, entertaining scene in the Barbie Movie, Dua Lipa gave the fans exactly what they were hoping for and MORE! Dance The Night is the super fabulous fun disco inspired extravaganza that delivers the escapism that the world needs right now.       

Calm Down - Selena Gomez and Rema

On all of the award shows this fantastic song was winning in the Afro Beats categories which is very nice, but in reality it was actually winning over the crossover mainstream general public because it's a great song that people love.     

I Remember Everything - Kacey Musgraves and Zach Bryan 

Teaming up with Zach Bryan on this beautiful ballad finally gave Kacey Musgraves the #1 hit on the Billboard HOT 100 that she has long deserved for many years.         

Die For You - Ariana Grande and The Weeknd

Ariana Grande has proven many times now that when she gets added to the remix the song jumps to #1 on the Billboard HOT 100. This is yet another example of a great song getting even better with her addition.            

Snooze - SZA

R&B music has been missing from the top of the pop charts for quite a few years now but in 2023 SZA brought it back with smooth ballads like this one. So glad we didn't snooze and miss the moment!           

Flowers - Miley Cyrus

When you start with a twist on the lyrics from a huge #1 song by Bruno Mars and then add a great beat with a catchy hook it's no surprise that you're going to end up with the most popular song of your career.         

Fast Car - Luke Combs

This is the remake of a highly acclaimed hit from 1988 that we didn't know we needed. But Luke Combs did such a great job reviving this Tracy Chapman classic we love it even more than before.     

I'm Good (Blue) - Bebe Rexha and David Guetta

2023 was the year for Europop from 1999 to make a comeback! Blue Da Ba Dee got elevated to a new level with amazing vocals from Bebe Rexha and the remixing skills of David Guetta and it seriously dominated the airwaves all year long.     

Kill Bill - SZA

Well-deserved success came to SZA in 2023 as the hits from her album SOS filled up the Billboard HOT 100 week after week with this one going all the way to #1.    

Something In The Orange - Zach Bryan 

The crossover mainstream success for Zach Bryan has been a slow and gradual increase as more and more fans grew to love his unique brand of country music. Having these songs finally added to your playlists is well worth the wait.