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.   

More Favorite Songs of 2022

   I recently listed my Top 10 Favorite Songs of 2022. 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 2022. 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 2022 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 2022. 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.

Never Say Never - Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson: It's always exciting when two of your favorite artists come together for a collaboration. It happens all the time and we have become accustomed to accepting that one of the artists will sing the first verse while the other takes the second. It can be a very standard cookie cutter protocol. But that's not the case with Never Say Never AT ALL. Cole and Lainey truly sing back and forth WITH each other and TO each other during the entire song! It's genuinely an exceptionally well-crafted piece of work!        

You Can Have Him Jolene - Chapel Hart: They were catapulted into the National Spotlight after singing this song on America's Got Talent. It's definitely a fun and catchy song worthy of attention and they are an extremely talented group who deserves the spotlight to keep shining on them for many years to come.        

One Mississippi - Kane Brown: For years now he has been putting out not only the catchiest and best songs, but he's also one of the top selling and most streamed artists of ANY genre. Yet, time and time again he fails to get the recognition and accolades from the Grammys, the CMA's and the ACM's. But it doesn't matter. The fans have spoken and One Mississippi - Two Mississippi... Two HOT Kane Brown songs made the top 20 of 2022 list!     

Never Wanted To Be That Girl - Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde: These two current Queens of country music came together to deliver a new twist on good for nothing cheating husband scenario. They make it sound fresh and powerful while still packing a heartbreaking emotional punch.       

Somethin' Bout You - Mickey Guyton: She started the year singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl and ended the year as the TIME Magazine 2022 Breakthrough Artist of the Year. This song is just one delightful taste of why she deserves all this and so much more! She has the vocal gift and the songwriting chops to earn every accolade there is.     

'Til You Can't - Cody Johnson: This was the inescapable song topping the charts and winning every award out there in 2022. Give it a listen and you'll know why. It checks all the boxes: Relatable, uplifting lyrics. A great beat. And that Passionate vocal delivery by Cody illustrates why he is now one of the most well-liked guys in the industry.     

Ghost Story - Carrie Underwood: All these years later it's easy to forget that she was the Season Four winner of American Idol. She has matured into an absolutely top tier live performer and touring act. At the same time having the most impressive vocal range in the music industry. PERIOD. This is the lead single of her latest album, Denim and Rhinestones, and every song is a showcase for her exceptional talent.     

Wishful Drinking - Ingrid Andress and Sam Hunt: Ingrid is way too talented to be a forgotten one hit wonder, so it's such a joy to see her have a hit again this year. It's well-deserved and we are wishful thinking that we will hear many more.      

Mama, Dolly, Jesus - Madeline Edwards: The best song of the year you haven't heard ... YET!!! Look it up, give it a listen and I guarantee you will be playing it on repeat well into the new year. It's fun, it's playful, and it makes you feel good, all the while celebrating what's important to us, including the Queen of Country Music - Dolly Parton!      

Like I Love Country Music - Kane Brown: His 2022 album Different Man is highly recommended. Of course it has this smash hit country anthem, but it also delivers a diverse and broad cross section of great music covering multiple genres. He's got it all.    

Top 10 Songs of 2022

 The Top 10 songs of 2022!!

2022 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:

About Damn Time - Lizzo

The world is so lucky to have a genuinely dynamic and interesting artist like Lizzo giving her voice and personality to such fun, catchy and great music. She is truly a breath of fresh air in the toxic environment of social media attention seekers. It's About Damn Time that she gets the recognition, accolades and awards she deserves.      

Late Night Talking - Harry Styles

From the moment the beat kicks in you are transported to the disco ball illuminated roller rink to thoroughly enjoy this slice of artfully crafted pop music perfection.    

Shivers - Ed Sheeran 

Ed's follow up single to last year's Bad Habits proved that he means business when it comes to being more than just a sweet and nice balladeer. Shivers kept us dancing tapping our toes all the way into the new year.        

I Like You - Post Malone and Doja Cat

While it's been a couple of years since Post Malone delivered an across the board pop smash, Doja Cat has been on a hot streak for three years in a row now. The two of them together guaranteed a sure fire across the board crowd pleaser.           

Big Energy (REMIX) - Latto and Mariah Carey

Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love has to be the most well-liked song for sampling in history. Already a huge #1 hit used in Fantasy by Mariah Carey in 1995 it came back again this year and Latto was very smart to invite Mariah back for the ride. The song was stalling on the charts until the remix breathed new life into it and suddenly it was inescapable.          

Sun Roof - Nicky Youre and Dazy

This song came out of nowhere from a completely new artist and it became an immediately memorable part of the pop music soundtrack for the year.          

Bad Habit - Steve Lacy

Gotta love it when a rap/hip hop artist comes out as bisexual - sparking your interest - and then listening to find that you genuinely enjoy the song.         

The Kind of Love We Make - Luke Combs

For two years in a row now he has won the CMA Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year and it's because he knows how to crank out powerful love songs with a great beat. Play this with the man you love and see if it doesn't help put you both in a good mood.    

As It Was - Harry Styles

He's a text book case study for the artist who wants to be the most successful break out solo act after being a part of the biggest boy band in history. The high fashion persona, the sexually fluid appeal to anyone and everyone along with the catchy hits with a great beat. Turn on any radio station for the entire year and this song was playing - SUCCESS!   

I Ain't Worried - One Republic 

One of the best parts of the first Top Gun movie was the hit packed soundtrack. While the Top Gun sequel all these years later failed to deliver multiple hits, it did serve this very buoyant jam to entertain our ears as we left the theater.  

More Favorite Songs of 2021

  I recently listed my Top 10 Favorite Songs of 2021. 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 2021. 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 2021 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 2021. 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.

Next Girl - Carly Pearce: I am so happy that this amazing strong female singer songwriter is continuing to get more recognition and accolades. She won the CMA for Female Vocalist of the Year and she deserves to keep going up on to the next level.       

Whiskey and Rain - Michael Ray: There's just something about a song having the perfect shuffle beat for a stationary cha cha that makes it an instant favorite. This is one of the best to come out in a long time.       

Martha Divine - Ashley McBryde: Another strong female singer songwriter delivering the classic story song of revenge on cheating hearts. A great beat with impressive vocals to perfectly tell the dark tale of getting away with murder.    

Undivided - Tim McGraw and Tyler Hubbard: This is the perfect anthem of hope for a better future. You can't live in denial that the country is more divided and polarized than ever so hearing this on repeat all year shined a glimmer of optimism that we can all come together.      

Somebody Like That - Tenille Arts: It's so refreshing to hear a strong female singer songwriter deliver a fantastic song that comes from her heart and also serves impressive vocals with a great beat for a two-step. .    

Freedom Was A Highway - Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley: Jimmie is having a great year appearing on Dancing With The Stars, having hit songs and earning a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. This is a great song with the nostalgia of the old days and a welcome return of Brad Paisley.    

The Good Ones - Gabby Barrett: This former American Idol finalist came back with another amazing song to prove that her big hit last year was not a fluke. She's a strong female singer songwriter who is the real deal.    

Younger Me - Brothers Osbourne: Coming out as gay this year, TJ Osbourne and his brother John give us a heartfelt anthem of inspiration to hang in there confident that life gets better no matter how rough it was when we were younger.    

Famous Friends - Chris Young and Kane Brown: Great music is a celebration of living our best lives with all the special people who mean so much to us. This is the song to enjoy when you get together with all of yours.     

GOOD TIME - Niko Moon: During the hard times we need this song to allow us to take a breath, relax and just have that GOOD TIME.   

Top 10 Songs of 2021

  The Top 10 songs of 2021!!

2021 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:

Levitating - Dua Lipa

This completely infectious pop dance jam was at the top of the charts at the beginning of the year and it stayed there for the entire year!!! It's so good that you just wanted to keep hearing it again and again.     

Fancy Like - Walker Hayes

At first you started to hear it thinking it was just a fun commercial for Applebee's, but then you kept hearing it and realized it was an all-around country pop dance music sensation.   

Leave The Door Open - Bruno Mars and Silk Sonic 

Thank goodness the music industry has Bruno Mars saving the pop music scene with his retro R&B/funk stylings. He truly knows how to make great music like no others.       

Take My Breath - The Weeknd

His song last year officially became the biggest Hot 100 hit of all time and he followed it up this year with another hot song to illustrate that he is a master at crafting an amazing pop song.          

Bad Habits - Ed Sheeran

While his ballads are sweet and nice, it was very enjoyable that Ed came back with an uptempo pop song that added more range and versatility to his catalog to keep us tapping our toes.         

Kiss Me More - Doja Cat

She has turned out to be more than a one hit wonder coming back with another song that is pure pop music toe tapping pleasure.         

Save Your Tears - Ariana Grande and The Weeknd

He was the dominant force in pop music for two years now, but this song was stalling on the charts until the pop princess with the golden touch joined in for the remix causing it to shoot to #1.        

Heat Waves - Glass Animals

This is a song that I kept hearing in the background and slowly liked it more and more. It's subtle, yet catchy.    

Easy On Me - Adele

Adele is that rare artist who has undeniable crossover mainstream appeal with the general public unlike anyone else. While other artists can be love em or hate em polarizing, Adele brings all music fans together. Even when the song is simple and understated it's a smash hit.  

Butter - BTS 

This K-Pop super group is here to stay - or at least for another year. This hit was even bigger than their breakthrough song last year. Another slice of boy band magic that is keeping their army of fans happy.