November 16, 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. Green Day - American Idiot (Live)
Green Day are one of the top bands in the world today, and this week's live CD/DVD combo pack Bullet In a Bible proves it. They roar through a version of "American Idiot" that will give the listener chills.
2. Carrie Underwood - Lessons Learned
Any remaining doubters of whether or not Carrie Underwood deserved her American Idol crown should be quieted by her new album Some Hearts. "Lessons Learned" is one track that leans toward the pop mainstream and showcases her amazing voice in a pleasing song.
3. Madonna - Push
This track is a pause from the pure disco of most of Madonna's Confessions On a Dance Floor. It's just a bit funkier and the call-and-response vocals are irresistible.
4. Ginuwine - Glaze In My Eyes
He originally made his name as a bump-n-grind lover in song. Now Ginuwine is showing off his real vocal chops. This track from his new album Back II Da Basics is tasty old-school soul.
5. Bob Marley - Slogans
Africa Unite: The Singles Collection is yet another Bob Marley compilation. A key reason to explore a bit further is the presence of this track. It was discovered on a 1979 demo tape by Marley's sons Stephen & Ziggy. "Slogans" has been cleaned up, finished, and is another quality track to add to Marley's recorded legacy.
6. Kelly Clarkson - Walk Away
This week Kelly Clarkson celebrates her 50th week on the album chart with Breakaway by moving back into the top 10. "Walk Away" is one of the top tracks yet to be released as a single. It is wiry and aggressive and makes a perfect companion piece to "Since U Been Gone."
7. Mariah Carey - Mine Again
The release of the expanded platinum edition of The Emancipation Of Mimi this week caused me to dig a little deeper into some of the lesser known cuts. "Mine Again" is a slow-burn track that features a workout for Mariah Carey's amazing voice.
8. Bruce Springsteen - Thunder Road
It's the 30th anniversary for the Born To Run album and "Thunder Road" is just one of the amazing songs that fill the classic work. It is remastered, cleaned up and sounds better than ever.
9. Alanis Morissette - Uninvited
When fans think back over Alanis Morissette's classic hits, "Uninvited" often gets ignored. It made its first appearance on the City Of Angels movie soundtrack and wasn't included on any of Morissette's studio albums. Yet, it is one of her best. It's filled with musical drama, intense vocals and intriguing lyrics. What more do you expect from Alanis?
10. Jimmy Buffett - Margaritaville (Live)
Nearly everyone knows "Margaritaville," but it remains one of the best ways to ease the uninitiated into the laidback world of parrotheads. The latest live version is available on Buffett's Live At Fenway Park.
