More Favorite Songs of 2018

I recently listed my Top 10 Favorite Songs of 2018. 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 2018. 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 2018 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 2018. 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.

Love Wins - Carrie Underwood gave us an anthem with a message perfect for 2018 and for every year moving forward. Let's walk hand in hand. We are made to be here for each other. #LoveWins #StrongerTogether   

High Horse - Kacey Musgraves has already won the Album of the Year for Golden Hour at the CMA Country Music Association Awards and now she is up for Album of the Year at the Recording Academy / GRAMMYs too. High Horse is just one example of why it is getting so much acclaim.   

Diane - Cam is a real find as one of the Next Women of Country. This is exactly what we are talking about when we ask why isn't country radio playing female artists. Great songs like Diane are getting overlooked.

Make A Little - Midland: Thank goodness for Midland and the amazing country music they are giving us. And you gotta love their outfits!!!  

Most People Are Good - Luke Bryan became a very entertaining judge on American Idol this year as well as maintaining his status as the leading hitmaking country superstar with songs like Most People Are Good. 

Love Someone - Brett Eldredge not only served his fans this great song for two stepping, but this video also showcases why both he and his dog, Edgar Boogie, or both social media superstars.

Done For Me - Charlie Puth has been on a roll for the past few years delivering the best in pop music and he continued the streak in 2018 with Done For Me.

You Make It Easy - Jason Aldean delivered a true work of art with beautiful and romantic waltz. The story in the wonderful three episode video series hits all the right emotional buttons.

Burning Man - The combination of Dierks Bentley and Brothers Osborne on Burning Man is absolute FIRE!!! 

Lose It - Kane Brown with his hot country pop jam Lose It. He was the hottest this to happen in country music this year and this song exemplifies all the heat and energy he generated. 

The Top 10 Songs of 2017

The Top 10 songs of 2017!!
2017 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:

Attention - Charlie Puth

Charlie ended 2016 just being the duet partner who helped Selena Gomez deliver her most likeable hit in years, but he totally came into his own on this solo track. It's catchy and has a great beat. If only Charlie were setting the trend for others to do music as well as he is. Perfect for singing along with and dancing to on repeat all year long.    

I Feel It Coming - The Weeknd

When this guy gets it right he really hits it out of the park. This song is pure dance pop enjoyment and a very bright spot when it came on the radio.  

There's Nothing Holding Me Back - Shawn Mendes

Shawn was on tour this year with Charlie Puth and with songs like this they kept the crowds dancing and singing along with enthusiasm.    

Body Like A Back Road - Sam Hunt

This talented hunk is way too good to stay hidden away on the country charts. This year he crossed over in a big way with this fun and catchy hit.     

Feel It Still - Portugal. The Man

I am really hoping that Portugal. The Man does not turn into Portugal. The One Hit Wonder. This song is so good! It is instantly infectious and it does it all with a full band of real musicians playing real instruments!!      

Too Good At Goodbyes - Sam Smith

Sam Smith is back with the first single from his second album and his impressive vocal range is a very welcome return. Another soulful delivery of raw and heartfelt emotions.     

Chained To The Rhythm - Katy Perry

On her fourth album Katy proves she can still offer a catchy pop hit with dynamic and interesting visuals. The beat was perfect for dancing a samba.    

Slow Hands - Niall Horan

No longer fading into the background behind the other boys in One Direction, Niall is front and center on his own with the best solo release of the bunch. It's a sexy groove that really makes you move.     

That's What I Like - Bruno Mars

The retro 80's Funk inspired vibe on this song was a welcome addition to hear on the radio in 2017. Bruno is continuing to be a cut above the rest.    

Shape of You - Ed Sheeran

There's no denying that Ed gave the world one of the catchiest and most infectious songs of 2017. The beat was perfect for dancing a samba.  

Top 10 Songs of 2016

The Top 10 songs of 2016!!
2016 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:

We Don't Talk Anymore - Selena Gomez with Charlie Puth

Selena is at her most likeable on this buoyant pop track. It's catchy and everything else you want to hear on repeat all year long. Perfect for dancing a west coast swing.     

Dangerous Woman - Ariana Grande

The title track from her outstanding third album is continuing her streak of delivering catchy hooks, and powerhouse vocals, but this time there is a new level of maturity and sophistication. Perfect for dancing a Viennese waltz. 

Can't Stop The Feeling - Justin Timberlake

Justin is a master at following the pop music formula and delivering an across the board crowd pleasing dance party anthem. Fun for all ages!!! Perfect for dancing a hustle.   

Cheap Thrills - Sia

She's still hiding her face, but for another year she is serving up strong vocals on a great song. Perfect for Dancing a samba.    

Cake By The Ocean - DNCE

The Jonas Brothers never gave us a pop anthem that was this good. And who doesn't want to dance and eat cake by the ocean!!! Perfect for Dancing a hustle.     

24K Magic - Bruno Mars

Bruno has taken his pop music sensibility and paired it with the classic 80's funk sound of Rick James and Teena Marie. This is a retro jam that is refreshing to hear back on the airwaves.    

Side To Side - Ariana Grande

This girl is just working with the best songwriters and producers because everything she releases is better than what everyone else is doing. This time there is a reggae bounce to the groove and it is infectious.    

Send My Love - Adele

Admittedly this is my least favorite track on her album 25, but compared to the rubbish that other artists are releasing this is a true gem of amazing vocals and musicality.    

Closer - The Chainsmokers

Everything on the radio in 2016 sounded exactly like this song. While most of those other songs are tiresome drivel, this one rose above the rest and didn't totally suck.   

7 Years - Lukas Graham

It's a good song. Nice vocals. Lyrics that you can understand and that aren't stupid. The rest of the songs that came out this year were really bad.