October 5, 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 previous weeks.
1. Fiona Apple - Please Please Please
It's a pleasure to welcome Ms. Apple back. Try to keep yourself from singing along with this witty, sarcastic take on cookie cutter culture from her album Extraordinary Machine. The voice and musicianship are impeccalbe.
2. James Blunt - High
Former soldier James Blunt is one of the biggest pop stories of the year in the U.K. His single "You're Beautiful" from the album Back To Bedlam is just starting to make headway here in the U.S. "High" is a rapturous ballad that will likely please fans of Coldplay.
3. Bon Jovi - Wildflower
For those of you who like to wave your lighter at a rock concert, this track is destined to be a favorite. From their new album Have a Nice Day, Bon Jovi pull out the all of the rock ballad stops.
4. Toni Braxton - Sposed To Be
Toni Braxton in a classic, sultry mood from her new album Libra. The spare backing production leaves plenty of room for Braxton to steam up the windows.
5. Mariah Carey (with Snoop Dogg) - Say Somethin'
Mariah Carey is getting ready to roar up the singles chart once again with her brand new hit "Don't Forget About Us," but there are still treasures to be mined from The Emancipation Of Mimi. This duet with Snoop Dogg is a gem.
6. Hilary Duff - Beat Of My Heart
This is another slice of perky electro-pop from Hilary Duff's compilation album Most Wanted. It was created with an assist from Duff's main squeeze, Good Charlotte's Joel Madden. If you liked "Wake Up," you'll love this.
7. Franz Ferdinand - Eleanor Put Your Boots On
This is a quieter moment from the art-pop-disco band from Scotland. It doesn't take long to recognize the obvious Beatle influence and then revel in the charming piano-based pop.
8. Nickelback - Follow You Home
This snarling rocker leads off Nickelback's new album All the Right Reasons. It is a great contrast to their current ballad hit "Photograph".
9. Sean Paul - Straight Up
A martial beat and catchy pop melody in the dancehall add up to fun on this track from Sean Paul's The Trinity album. Put this one on your playlist and it won't leave soon.
10. Gretchen Wilson - Skoal Ring
An old-timey honkytonk sound and a decidedly un-PC attitude give this track from Wilson's new All Jacked Up album its charm. She hasn't changed her point of view from her first album. If you loved it, you'll love this, too.
