January 11, 2006
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.
Read lists from previous weeks.
1. Morningwood - Jetsetter
Morningwood are one of the first great new bands of 2006. Take a big dollop of early 80's new wave and lace it with the sound of a metal wannabe and you've got Morningwood. This followup to the modern rock hit single "Nth Degree" is harder and spiked with a bigger amphetamine rush.
2. Kaiser Chiefs - Saturday Night
The Kaiser Chiefs are one of the leaders in nominations for the upcoming Brit Awards. Check out the perfect power pop blended with 60's beach party music on this track.
3. Kelly Clarkson - Addicted
Unbelievably, there are now 5 singles in release from Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway album, and there are still good songs left. This one is a slow burn power ballad with a pleasing light swing.
4. The Strokes - You Only Live Once
The Strokes are in fine form here spicing catchy, angular, slightly punkish pop with a dose of New York snottiness.
5. Ricky Nelson - Be-Bop Baby
He's a genuine early rock n roll hero that moved from being a teen actor on TV to acceptance as a true pop music talent. A new Greatest Hits collection has been released honoring the 20th anniversary of his tragic death. "Be-Bop Baby" is one of his early classics.
6. Coldplay - What If
Coldplay are another band with plenty of Brit Award nominations. This track begins in a soft, fragile mode before slowly expanding out into space with an obvious debt to Pink Floyd's classic Dark Side of the Moon.
7. Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek
Take a batch of unanswerable questions and somber life commentary, swirl it into a moody bath of electronics, and you'll find Imogen Heap.
8. Emmylou Harris - A Love That Will Never Grow Old
Emmylou Harris' stunning voice shines through this touching ballad from the soundtrack to the critically acclaimed film Brokeback Mountain.
9. The Click Five - Time Machine
The post-Christmas iPod rush to download favorite pop songs swept the Click Five's "Just the Girl" back into the pop top 40. This is another power pop gem from their Greetings From Imrie House album.
10. Jamie Foxx - Warm Bed
Find yourself awash in a bath of smooth, silky soul on this track from the #1 album in the country Unpredictable.
