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.   

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.