September 28, 2005
One of the best things about today's online music services is the opportunity to purchase individual songs for unlimited listening regardless of whether or not they have been released as a single. Each week I uncover some of the best pop tracks to download from online music services. The music will range widely across pop genres. The tracks listed may not be available at all of the major online music services.
Read lists from other weeks.
1. Mary J. Blige - Never Too Much
Mary J. is due for a new album later this fall, and this track from the Luther Vandross tribute So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute To Luther Vandross is a great warmup reminding us of many reasons why we love Mary J. Blige so much. A heartfelt spoken word intro leads to a gorgeous, elegant version of Luther's first major pop hit.
2. Bon Jovi - Welcome To Wherever You Are
Amazingly, it has been 21 years since Bon Jovi first hit the pop singles chart. Their style has changed relatively little through the years, and "Welcome To Wherever You Are," from their new album Have a Nice Day, is a big pop-rock ballad that will appeal to fans of Nickelback's current hit "Photograph."
3. Earth, Wind and Fire - This Is How I Feel
Kicking off with a rap from Outkast and including a great guest vocal turn from Destiny's Child's Kelly Rowland, this track is an excellent blend of old-school r&b and current hip hop magic. It is one of the highlights of Earth, Wind and Fire's new album Illumination.
4. Paul McCartney - Jenny Wren
Sir Paul is in a quiet contemplative mood on this track from his Chaos and Creation In the Backyard album. If you like the Beatles' classic "Blackbird," you will like this as well.
5. My Chemical Romance & the Used - Under Pressure
This track, a remake of the David Bowie / Queen classic, is a bonus track on The Used's latest album In Love and Death. It is a cover version that is a keeper. This version of "Under Pressure" proves that hard edged punk pop groups like the Used and My Chemical Romance often have a strongly beating pop heart.
6. Pussycat Dolls - Beep
For those old enough to remember, this track from the Pussycat Dolls album PCD makes wicked use of a sample from ELO's 70's hit "Evil Woman." The album is deeper with quality tracks than many would expect.
7. Barbra Streisand - Hideaway
A light Latin lilt, a pop hook from Barry Gibb, and Barbra Streisand's beautiful voice combine for one of the most memorable songs from Streisand's new album Guilty Pleasures.
8. Shania Twain - Shoes
The new soundtrack from the hit TV series Desperate Housewives is a collection of tracks that make great additions to any music collection celebrating the power of women. This particular standout is an extensive dissertation on the similarities between men and something else that many women love.
9. Kanye West - Hey Mama
This beautiful song is one of the most heartfelt celebrations of mothers to be released in recent years. It's catchy, too, and is included on West's critically acclaimed album Late Registration.
10. Stevie Wonder - Positivity
A bouncy uplifting gem from Stevie's new album A Time To Love. It is summed up in these wise words from Wonder's father: "You can always look at the negative, but you should always live in the positive."
Share Your Download Suggestions
I'm sure I've missed some great tracks. Share your suggestions.
