November 23, 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. Enya - Water Shows the Hidden Heart
It has been 5 years since Ireland's 2nd most successful recording artist of all time (after U2) has released a collection of new songs. This cut is simply gorgeous...and features Enya singing in the fictional language Loxian.
2. Juelz Santana - Oh Yes
You've heard Santana on Chris Brown's huge hit "Run It!" Now check him out solo on this track from the album What the Game's Been Missing!.
3. Carrie Underwood - I Ain't in Checotah Anymore
Digging into Carrie Underwood's album Some Hearts, you'll find this autobiographical country-pop gem.
4. Madonna - How High
Madonna raises questions about whether it "was all worth it" on this catchy, introspective number from Confessions on a Dance Floor.
5. Britney Spears - Toxic (Peter Rauhofer Remix)
Peter Rauhofer adds an urgent downtown sleaze factor to this remix from Britney Spears' mix collection B in the Mix.
6. Nelly - Play It Off
Nelly's SweatSuit, the combination of tracks from his previous separate albums Sweat and Suit, kicks off with this smooth catchy collaboration with the Neptunes. If you've heard it before, you'll want to hear it again.
7. Chamillionaire - Rain
Familiarize yourself with the latest rapper breaking out of Houston on this haunting track from the album The Sound of Revenge. It features a guest appearance from Scarface.
8. Rolling Stones - Tumbling Dice (Live)
Head back into classic rock territory with the Rolling Stones on their Rarities album. This live take on "Tumbling Dice" starts off in a bit of chaos but concludes with the band proving their status as the world's greatest rock band.
9. Rob Thomas - Streetcorner Symphony
An impressive performance at the American Music Awards shined the spotlight back on Rob Thomas. Don't miss this uplifting track from the album ...Something to Be. The track features a guest appearance from John Mayer.
10. Coldplay - What If
I'm closing this week's list with a gorgeous little piece from Coldplay's X&Y. Chris Martin's vocals soar into upper, vulnerable registers throughout.
