November 30, 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. Gorillaz - Dirty Harry
This track has just been released as the latest Gorillaz single from Demon Days. It's another triumph and features an ultra-funky childrens' choir.
2. Shakira - Timor
This is the one true dance anthem on Shakira's new album Oral Fixation, Vol. 2. It's also a politically astute call for world awareness of ongoing genocide in Timor.
3. The Darkness - Is It Just Me?
Did you think that big old-fashioned power chord pop-rock was over? Listen to the Darkness and all the memories will come flooding back.
4. Chris Brown - Young Love
Chris Brown's first album, titled Chris Brown, landed in stores yesterday. This track is a sweet, slow jam presenting Chris in a romantic moood.
5. Pussycat Dolls - I Don't Need a Man
If you want a change of pace from the Pussycat Dolls current ballad hit "Stickwitu", this hot dance track from the album PCD will do the trick.
6. System of a Down - Kill Rock 'n Roll
Breakneck, manic rage is second nature for System of a Down. Don't miss the funky, stripped down middle section of "Kill Rock 'n Roll" from the new Hypnotize album.
7. Il Divo - O Holy Night
Holiday music is in the air! This is a particularly gorgeous version of the Christmas classic "O Holy Night" by Simon Cowell's popera proteges from the Christmas Collection album.
8. Crazy Frog - Jingle Bells
The frog is back! And he's thinking of Christmas! This latest Crazy Frog creation is charming and fun the first few times through...then be careful of creeping annoyance.
9. INXS - Afterglow
This is a beautiful, almost Coldplay-style, ballad from INXS on Switch, the first album with new lead vocalist JD Fortune.
10. Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash - Jackson
In recognition of the great Johnny Cash film biography Walk the Line starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, I encourage you to dig back to the original "Jackson" from the album At Folsom Prison. The duet between Johnny and June Carter Cash is hot.
