February 1, 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. This week I am recognizing the 2006 Grammy Awards with 10 of my favorites among this year's nominees.
Read lists from previous weeks.
1. Gorillaz - Feel Good, Inc.
Gorillaz' "Feel Good, Inc." is the only Record of the Year nominee that did not hit #1 on the pop singles chart. However, it was impressive enough to the awards organizers that the cartoon band will share the opening performance with none other than Madonna.
2. Paul McCartney - Fine Line
Sir Paul made an impressive comeback this year. His album Chaos and Creation in the Backyard pleased enough music industry professionals to give him one of the 5 coveted nominations for Album of the Year.
3. John Legend - Ordinary People
John Legend has snagged 8 Grammy Award nominations with his very first album. "Ordinary People" is nominated for the Best Song award.
4. Ciara - 1, 2 Step
This is a little reminder of why Ciara is nominated for Best New Artist. A little assistance from Missy Elliott rarely hurts.
5. Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone
If I was picking the Grammys, and no, they don't let me, this would be Record of the Year. I will settle, though, if Kelly Clarkson walks off with Best Female Pop Vocal.
6. Jack Johnson - Sitting, Waiting, Wishing
Jack Johnson's latest feel-good album, the soundtrack for Curious George, was just released yesterday. A Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal would certainly boost album sales.
7. The Killers - Mr. Brightside
Will Grammy voters remember clear back to around this time last year when the Killers were dominating radio airwaves? If so, the Las Vegas band will take home the Best Pop Duo or Group with Vocal award.
8. Herbie Hancock featuring Christina Aguilera - A Song for You
Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals is a rather odd category. It often is reserved for those superstar duets that seem to happen a little too often. This one, however, is a keeper. Herbie Hancock, of course, is a jazz master and Christina Aguilera's voice has rarely sounded more beautiful.
9. Daniel Lanois - Agave
Pop instrumentals rarely grab the spotlight anymore, but there is still a Grammy Award reserved for them. Daniel Lanois is one of the legends in record production having worked with U2, Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Emmylou Harris, and many others. "Agave" is a cut from his Belladonna album.
10. Fiona Apple - Please, Please, Please
Even though it took a tortured path to release, Fiona Apple's album Extraordinary Machine arrived with a full set of outstanding songs. "Please, Please, Please" is one of the most immediately memorable of the songs from this nominee for Best Pop Vocal Album.
