My Top 50 Favorite Songs of 2010 (and why I picked them)

50. Shanice - Love The Way You Lie (Remix)
Shanice has been my favorite singer since I was a kid (I even met her when I was 15). I love the original song and I like the little twist she adds to it. Its not as good as the original; but still a good effort. Shanice has been on the countdown for the past couple of years; her highest appearance was number 2 in 2008.

49. Selena Gomez - Round & Round
I think the song is very catchy and Selena is the last of our good role models left on Disney - enough said. This is her debut on the countdown.

48. Ludacris - Sexting
I didn't like this song when I first heard it and I still think the lyrics are dumb; but the beat is good :). Ludacris has been on the list before, but always as a featured artist (never solo).

47. Orianthi (ft Lacey from Flyleaf) - Courage
It was nice to hear something different from her. The last time Orianthi was on the list was in 2008.

46. Chris Koon - YoYo
I think everyone can relate to this song and it's catchy too. This is Chris' Top 50 debut.

45. David Archuleta - Elevator
This song was on and off the countdown many times before the show and it ended up back on because I really like it and think David is a talented young man. His last appearance on the list was in 2008.

44. Lifehouse - All In
I really like this song and I really like the band and thought both deserved a spot on this year's list. They are no stranger to my Countdown Shows; but they were absent from 2009's list and this marks their return.

43. Creed - A Thousand Faces
This was Creed's debut on my Countdown Shows (mostly because of that hiatus); but they almost made it on the list last year too.

42. Paramore - The Only Exception
I love Paramore and I like this song; but I don't think its as good as their previous efforts. I can say that they haven't been on the countdown lately and this was their big comeback.

41. Usher ft Pitbull - DJ Got Us Falling In Love
This song was another song that had to grow on me; but it has a good beat and it grew on me enough to land on the countdown.

40. Ke$ha - Your Love Is My Drug
I still don't like Ke$ha; but I do like the song and that is why it made it onto the countdown. Ke$ha's first appearance was in 2009 (Flo Rida's "Right Round")

39. Rihanna - Only Girl (In the World)
This song is another one that I went back & forth on. I couldn't decide between this one and "What's My Name?" The deciding factor for me was that Drake's rap annoys me; so this song won. Rihanna has managed to get on the countdown every single year and had 5 appearances this year alone.

38. Nickelback - This Afternoon
I liked this song when I first heard it and I have been a fan of Nickelback for a very long time. This is sadly their lowest ranking on the countdown; but I am sure they will bounce back next year.

37. Pink - Glitter In The Air
We all know Pink is awesome, and she is no stranger to my Countdown Shows. I think this song touched everyone that heard it.

36. La Roux - Bulletproof
This song wasn't released in 2010 (technically) but it sure blew up every radio station in America this year.

35. Karmina - Slow Down
Karmina made their return to the countdown this year. Sure they didn't rank as high as their previous effort in 2008; but the song is still really good and they are two very talented ladies.

34. Kimberly Caldwell - Desperate Girls and Stupid Boys
Kim was originally on this year's countdown twice; but she ended up only getting on once. I really like this song and I hope it becomes a huge hit for her.

33. Jordin Sparks - Don’t Let It Go To Your Head
Jordin does a good job on this remake of a Fefe Dobson song and also makes her 6th appearance on the Countdown Shows (her highest being #1 in 2009).

32. Katy Perry - Teenage Dream
I didn't think this song was worth all the raving that people were giving it earlier this year; but still a fine song by Ms. Perry

31. Crystal Bowersox - Hold On
I don't think this song being on the countdown was a surprise to anybody - especially after my rave review of it in my HitPredictor Blog. It also helps that Crystal is one of my fave American Idol Alumni AND I am a HUGE fan too.This marks her debut on the Countdown Shows; but I see her making many returns in the future!

30. Jason Derulo - Ridin Solo
Another good song by Jason and I can definitely relate. It is his first appearance on the Countdown Shows (mostly because "In My Head" came out after my cut-off date in 2009).

29. Selena Gomez - A Year Without Rain
This was originally a Rihanna song; but it was turned down because it didn't go with Rihanna's new "Rated R" sound. I honestly can't really picture Rihanna singing it and think Selena did a wonderful job. This is (of course) her second appearance on the list.

28. Rihanna - Love The Way You Lie (Part 2)
This was Rihanna's second appearance on this year's list. I like hearing the girl's point of view on the topic; but I still think the original (Part 1) is a better song overall.

27. Lady Antebellum - Need You Now
It is not very often that country makes me Top 50 list; but it happens every once in awhile. This is a really great song and although it came out in the states in 2009; it was released overseas in 2010. This is Lady Antebellum's debut on the Top 50 lists.

26. Mike Posner - Cooler Than Me
The song is catchy - what else can I say about it? This marked Mike's debut on the Countdown Show.

25. Evanescence - Together Again
Evanescence hasn't been on the countdown in a few years; but I think #25 is a fair comeback after a 3 year absence. Their last appearance was in 2007.

24. Noctura - Don’t Save Me
I would say that #24 is a pretty high debut for a pretty much unknown band. I love the song and I think the band is totally awesome. Sure there are many female fronted rock bands out there; but the world needs another really good one.

23. Michelle Branch ft Timbaland - Getaway
When I first heard that Michelle Branch was doing a song with Timbaland, I wasn't sure how that would work because their styles are so different.....the result was a kick-ass song and a great video too. Michelle has been away for awhile; but this is definitely her comeback. I hope the rest of her album sounds like this.

22. Lady Gaga - Alejandro
It was nice to hear a new sound from Gaga as well. Her highest appearance (so far) has been #7; but she has had multiple appearances on the countdowns in the past couple of years.
21. Jordin Sparks - Beauty and the Beast
Another great remake from Jordin Sparks and what girl doesn't totally love the movie?

20. Willow Smith - Whip My Hair
I don't think anyone can say this song doesn't make you want to dance and isn't somewhat catchy. Willow is very young; but also a very talented little girl and i really think she will go far (I mean, look at who her parents are-lol).

19. Katy Perry - Firework
Some people have told me that this song should've been higher and maybe it should've....on your list. Its a good song and it made the top 20. let's just leave it at that.

18. Lady Gaga ft Beyonce - Telephone
Ok, I honestly didn't care for this song when it first came out (mostly because I am not really a Beyonce fan - although I do like some of her songs); but it obviously grew on me.

17. Fefe Dobson - Ghost
I think a lot of people have felt like a "Ghost" after a relationship. This song was Fefe's return to the pop world and I think she did a great job.

16. Tino Coury - Diary
A song about finding out that you've been cheated on - its been done before; but I still think its catchy and you find yourself singing along to the chorus.

15. We Are The Fallen - Bury Me Alive (2010 Version)
This song was on the list last year at #30; they released a new version of it and it climbed the chart to number 15 - not bad. Carly Smithson is the lead singer of this band that is mostly made up of former Evanescence members.

14. Katy Perry - California Gurls (ft Snoop Dogg)
Maybe I like this song because I grew up in California - who really knows. All I know is that it's catchy and Katy looks delicious in the music video. Katy's highest appearance in her 3 years on the Countdown has been #3 in 2008.

13. Kelly Clarkson - All I Ever Wanted
Another song that I've heard should've been higher. I love Kelly and she is one of my favorite singers; but I don't think the song is Top 10 material (or better than the next 2 songs). Kelly's highest appearance was #1 in 2007.

12. Miley Cyrus - Can’t Be Tamed
Miley took a giant leap from #26 last year to #12 this year. I don't even really like the girl and don't think she can really sing; but I LOVE THIS SONG!

11. Jessie James - Boys In The Summer
What can I really say? Its a great song with awesome lyrics and a good beat and its Jessie's debut on the Top 50 lists.

10. Shontelle - Impossible
This is a very powerful song and Shontelle did a really great job. There wasn't a moment that this song wasn't in the Top 10. It is also her debut; so not too shabby!

9. Nelly - Just A Dream
Great song with great lyrics and I was really surprised that it was by Nelly - he does a really good job though and this marks his highest showing on the countdown (so far) and he has been absent from the Countdowns for awhile.

8. Taryn Manning - Spotlight
I don't think anyone was surprised to see this song on the Countdown - Taryn is awesome and the song is amazing! It really makes you want to get out and dance! Taryn made her debut on the countdown last year (with Boomkat).

7. Noctura - My Last Goodbye
Noctura makes their second appearance on the countdown this year and I totally LOVE this song!

6. Adam Lambert - If I Had You
This song went back and forth between the Top 5 and the Top 10 and it eventually landed here at #6 because I as much as I love the song, I like the Top 5 songs even better. This marks Adam's Top 50 list debut.

5. Pink - Raise Your Glass
I can not say enough good things about this song! It's totally awesome and Pink is amazing! This song is her highest ranking ever.

4. Rihanna - Rude Boy
Who knew that I would like this song enough to have it be #4 on the countdown? Maybe I like it cause of its beat, or maybe i just like the idea of Rihanna being a dirty girl (LOL). I will never tell; but the song is great.

3. Eminem ft Rihanna - Love The Way You Lie
A few years ago I never would've seen Eminem and Rihanna doing a song together, or even being in the same room with each other (on purpose); but yet here they are with the #3 song of 2010. I can't say enough good things about this collaboration - good job! (Having Megan Fox in the video definitely helped my decision a little bit ;)).

2. Fefe Dobson - Stuttering
The lyrics of this song screamed out to me when I first heard it and Fefe looks really great in the video too.

1. B.O.B. ft Hayley Williams - Airplanes
Everyone knows the words and sings along - what more reason do you need? It has feeling behind it and is so real.

 

Interview: Stacy Clark

I thought I would start the interview portion of the blog off with an old friend. Stacy is no stranger to my radio shows and she has even been "Artist of the Week" before. If you aren't familiar with her music; you can find her on Facebook, Myspace, or Twitter!

1. How did you get started in the music industry?
Stacy Clark: If I said there was a set plan on how to get into this thing called "music business" I would be lying. It was all by determination, chance, hard work and a lot of trial and error. I worked very hard for many years writing songs, recording albums and touring to get my music out into the world. I had a gut feeling that I had to move to California to give it my all before completely retiring the idea of making music a career. So I packed my belongings and drove across the country alone from New York to California. I did the drive in three days and it was only the start of my long journey. I did not know many people and did not have a plan. I worked a full time job to pay off the debt I had gotten myself into from moving. Also, I used the money I had earned from my 8-5 career in Marketing to finance my albums. I did a lot of networking by playing a ton of shows. It was exhausting working all day and then driving to Los Angeles to network and perform. That is just the reality of what it takes to get to that next step. Any opportunity I had to play I would take it. The best way I can describe it is if you really believe in something go for it because you have nothing to lose. It takes a lot of things to go wrong before they can go right. When it all comes together its a wonderful thing, no matter how long that lasts. Its nice to know that hard work and believing in yourself can pay off.


Have you been singing since you were a kid?
Stacy: I have always loved to sing. I was in choirs in my elementary schools and did many plays. I love writing as much as I enjoy singing. It frees the mind.


2. Out of YOUR songs, what's your fave?
SC: It's hard to pick one. All my songs mean something different to me. I also have different parts in different songs that I like. Be that of a guitar or piano part, lyric, etc. If I had to pick a song at this given moment I would say "Not Enough".


3. What can we expect to see/hear from you in 2011?
SC: Every day is a gift. For this upcoming year I am really looking forward to touring nationally and internationally. If you tune into KNBC Los Angeles Saturday, Jan. 1 at 2:30am I am performing on the "Hard Rock Cafe Presents". At the end of January I am looking forward to traveling to Singapore to play some shows. I will be hitting the road touring the West Coast with my friends Jake Newton and Jesse Thomas in Spring. As well as touring nationally this summer. In other exciting news, my new music video for "Not Enough" will be released soon. This was filmed in Orange County with Tranzparent Pictures by this amazing director Steve Gunzman. I had be very blessed this past year to work with such amazing directors. My "Hold On" music video was shot in one night by Director: Jay Torres in Los Angeles. "Touch & Go" was filmed in DC working with 8112 productions. If I had to sum up 2011: Lots of touring, more music videos, recording, creating and writing.


4. What do you like to do in your spare time?
SC: There are so many things I enjoy. If I had to narrow it down my favorite hobbies would be snowboarding, soccer, going to concerts, rock climbing and hanging out with friends.


5. What other musicians do you like?
SC: I enjoy everything from Mansions on the Moon to Rihanna/David Guetta "Who's That Chick" to Jay Z to Fredric Chopin. There are a lot of independent artists that I enjoy such as Crash Boom Bang, Act As If, Chris Otepka, Jesse Thomas, Jake Newton, Delux and Ivan Ives. Some of my favorite songwriters are Ottis Redding, James Taylor, Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie), Jim Atkins (Jimmy Eat World) and Paul McCartney. I truly enjoy all different varieties of music on different occasions.

Video of the Week (song was #23 on My Top 50)