January 18, 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. Lil Wayne featuring Robin Thicke - Shooter
Delicately complex r&b/hip hop blend features Alan Thicke's son who will be releasing his own r&b collection soon.
2. Kanye West - Touch the Sky
A Curtis Mayfield sample drenched in horns is the engine behind another outstanding track from Kanye West's album Late Registration.
3. Fall Out Boy - Homesick at Space Camp
I dug back into the Fall Out Boy catalog for this gem from their first full-length album Take This to Your Grave.
4. Mary J. Blige featuring Jay-Z - Can't Hide From Luv
Jay-Z provides the introduction and Mary J. Blige provides the rest on yet another sparkling tune from the album The Breakthrough
5. All-American Rejects - Night Dance
AAR stick close to the punkish edge of their sound on this track from the Move Along album.
6. James Blunt - Wiseman
Americans are beginning to wake up to what the rest of the world already knows about James Blunt - he is one of today's most compelling singer/songwriters. "Wiseman" is another track that helps confirm that fact.
7. Eminem - My Name Is
I dig way back into the vault for the track that first introduced most of us to Eminem...and Slim Shady.
8. Carrie Underwood - Wasted
Some Hearts, the first album from Carrie Underwood, is filled with strong material. "Wasted" showcases the power of her voice in a song that crosses into both pop and country territory.
9. Chamillionaire - Rain
Beautiful moody piece from the Houston rapper features Scarface.
10. Daddy Yankee - Rompe
Reggaeton, a blend of Latin, reggae, and hip hop music, is currently among the hottest music on Latin radio stations and Daddy Yankee is the current king. "Rompe" is an outstanding example of the style of music.
