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 2019

The Top 10 songs of 2019!!

2019 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:

Sucker - Jonas Brothers

These hot boys came back to the charts bigger and better than ever in 2019. This song is pure pop perfection.     

Circles - Post Malone

Almost every song on the radio was by Post Malone in 2019, but Circles stood out far and above all of the rest with it's infectious beat. 

7 Rings - Ariana Grande 

She has been the most dominate artist of the decade delivering the best pop hits and this one is definitely one of our FAVORITE THINGS!!!      

If I Can't Have You - Shawn Mendes

He's young, he's cute, and he consistently releases fun and catchy songs.        

Bad Guy - Billie Eilish

This young goth girl could have just been another drab, dreary diva blending in with all of the other ones who sound just like her, but this dance beat totally set her apart from the crowd.       

Senorita - Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello

They want us to believe they are a real life couple, but ignore all that nonsense and just enjoy a really great vocal collaboration.        

Old Town Road - Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus

This song is significant in so many ways beyond it just bridging the gap between hip hop and country music. It brought Billy Ray Cyrus back to the charts. It spent a record setting 19 weeks at #1 on the Billboard HOT 100. It marked the first time that a gay man won an award at the CMA Awards.      

Good As Hell - Lizzo

While her new album is getting lots of critical acclaim it's nice that this song that's two years old is finally getting the attention and airplay it deserves.  

Dancing With A Stranger - Sam Smith and Normani 

He was filling the media with a lot of attention seeking fluff all year, but he really should just put his focus on pairing his impressive vocals with great songs like this. It's all we really want.      

High Hopes - Panic At The Disco

Every once in a while that dance floor party anthem comes out and it's undeniable. . 

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.  

The Top 10 Songs of 2015

The Top 10 songs of 2015!!
2015 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:

Shut Up And Dance - WALK THE MOON

When you are teaching people to dance there's a saying that goes, "less talking, more dancing". Why just stand around listening when you can take what you have learned and put it into action! This song brings that saying to life in the most wonderful way! Perfect for dancing a hustle.     

Focus - Ariana Grande

This first single from her third album is continuing her streak of delivering catchy hooks, great beats and powerhouse vocals. Ariana sure looks great doing it as well. Perfect for dancing a samba. 

Ex's and Oh's - Elle King

This song has a great beat, fun and sexy lyrics and who would have thought it would come from Rob Schneider's daughter??!!! Perfect for dancing an east coast swing.   

Can't Feel My Face - The Weeknd

This song sounds like it could be from a 1978 Steve Miller Band album, and that's a very good thing! Too bad the rest the "music" from The Weeknd is so unbearably awful. And things were looking so promising on his collaboration with Ariana Grande, Love Me Harder. He should have quit while he was ahead.   

Drag Me Down - One Direction

I don't care if the group has broken up or is taking a break. I am just happy to have all of the great pop songs they have given us!    

Cheerleader - OMI

The summer was filled with the tropical sounds of trumpets playing over a conga beat thanks to this refreshing song. And as a former cheerleader there is no way I could resist it!   

Lay Me Down - Sam Smith and John Legend

Of course something very good was going to result from John Legend, the Grammy winner for Best New Artist in 2005 teaming up with Sam Smith who won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2014. This ballad is heartfelt and captivating and their voices sound amazing and pure.   

Hello - Adele

Q: Why did Adele cross the road? A: To say Hello from the other side!!!! And she came back to say it after being away for a few years with this outstanding song.   

Uptown Funk - Bruno Mars

Quite simply everything all in one place to satisfy the masses. Perfect for dancing a cha cha.  

What Do You Mean - Justin Bieber

Just forget how much you can't stand Justin Bieber and enjoy a very good pop song. Perfect for dancing a cha cha.

The Top 10 Songs of 2014

The Top 10 songs of 2014!!
2014 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:

Problem - Ariana Grande

There was going to be no sophomore slump for this young lady. This first single from her second album is simply pop music perfection with its catchy beat and sing a long chorus. Ariana's voice is amazing and she looks better than everyone else in her mini skirts and go go boots!    

Chandelier - Sia

Sia used to be that featured singer on other people's songs, but this year her powerhouse voice broke through on her own with this exceptional song. Sia has now found herself nominated for the Grammy for Record of the Year with this outstanding single. 

Happy - Pharrell Williams

Yes, it was everywhere and people love to say they are sick of it, but it's not easy to deliver a song that is loved by all demographics of people across the board. It was more infectious than any song has been in years and it's much better to just give in and love it than trying so hard to hate it.   

Stay With Me - Sam Smith

This soulful ballad is going to lead Sam Smith to winning the top 4 awards at this years Grammys: He is a shoe in to take home Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Best New Artist.   

Bang Bang - Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj

This is without competition the party anthem and pop collaboration of the year. Hot beats and hot vocals all around!    

All Of Me - John Legend

This was the most popular song of the year for couples to use for their first dance at their weddings. And it's no surprise since John Legend provided the absolute best love song of all time.   

Dark Horse - Katy Perry

In 2014 Katy proved that she has pop music staying power. For over 5 years in a row she has been topping the charts and ruling the airwaves. Who else is doing that?? No one, that's who!!!   

Maps - Maroon 5

These guys just know how to serve up a catchy pop song. They can be hit or miss, but when they nail it, they really hit it on the head.   

Let It Go - Idina Menzel 

No one expected the original movie version of this song to actually cross over and become a pop hit, but this avalanche of success was unstoppable.   

All About The Bass - Meghan Trainor

Let's hear it for loving yourself as you are no matter what size you wear. And if it's catchy with a good beat it's even better!!!