Favorite Singles of 2007

So, here it is. This is the list of my personal favorite singles of 2007. They may not be the technical best of the year, but they were my faves. I divided them into categories and then listed other great singles that I loved but didn't make the final nine. What do you think?

Pissed-Off Single of the Year
Kelly Clarkson – Never Again

I’m still not sure why this wasn’t a hit of “Since U Been Gone” proportions. I guess maybe not everyone gets as pissed as Kelly and I do. Clarkson had to prove herself with her third album, and artistically, she did just that. Taking a page from the book of Alanis, Clarkson scorns a lover with rage and ferocity. You can almost see fangs coming out of her mouth…and it’s perfect. Her voice is strong and commanding, and the music is far edgier than previous efforts. Clarkson is moving in a new direction, and I will gladly follow.

Sexiest Single of the Year
Robin Thicke – Lost Without U

Thicke’s gorgeous falsetto swoops around a lilting acoustic guitar lick in this unforgettable song that redefined sensuality on the radio. The lyrics of this song are so desperate for attention that you can almost feel him leaning forward to sing it directly into his wife’s eyes. Incredible Melody? Check. Beautiful voice? Check. Lyrics that make even the most prudish lover want to jump in bed? Check. We have a winner.

Most Inspirational Single of the Year
Carrie Underwood – So Small

You read that right. Ms. Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” is not the song making the cut on this year’s list. It was released last year but is still being played fiercely this year. All that aside, Underwood co-wrote this uplifting tune about taking time to prioritize the things that truly matter in life, and they all have to do with one thing: love. Strings crescendo into a musical climax that is only matched by the power and passion in Underwood’s voice, which only gets better and better with time. I dare you not to close your eyes and think about the ones close to you.

Feel Good Single of the Year
Alicia Keys – No One

This one was almost the single of the year, but “Umbrella” was just too big. At any rate, this is Keys’ finest single to date, which is saying something. The melody is straight-forward, the beat pounding, the lyrics simple, and the whole package is undeniable. All of this is punctuated by Keys’ voice…and what a voice! She sounds in control, but barely. It’s as if the passion and conviction in her voice control her. It’s happy, groovy, and most importantly, a great song.

Most Danceable Single of the Year
Mika – Grace Kelly

So, I certainly expected to be putting a song from Justin, Britney, or Beyonce in this category, but when I hear this song, I just cannot keep still. Mika’s voice is polarizing, to say the least, but it is so joyful and flamboyant, that when paired with a plunking piano and bass and ridiculous lyrics, it is unstoppable. Every time I hear it, I throw my arms up and start dancing around. And I’m not talking the Soulja Boy. Joyful, unashamed dancing, straight from my soul. It looks ridiculous and I don’t even care. Now, that is something to dance about.

Most Surprising Single of the Year
Fergie – Big Girls Don’t Cry

Fergie-ferg released three singles in a row that were catchy, but ridiculous. So knowingly ridiculous, that everyone enjoyed them while they laughed at themselves. Then, to my surprise, Miss Ferguson released this lovely, unapologetically pop song. It proved a few things. First, Fergie actually has pipes. She sometimes sacrifices their integrity for a hot beat, but when focused, she is a rather convincing vocalist. Second, she was meant for melody. Chanting and spelling are fun, but a unique voice paired with a timeless melody are needed in pop music today.

Most Passionate Single of the Year
Paramore – Misery Business

It doesn’t even matter that she is singing about high school drama. Her voice is so strong, so convincing, so…passionate that she could be singing about how much she loves Toby Keith and I would still love it. The lyrics are actually much better than I originally thought. You just have to listen to it several times to hear what she is actually singing. And man, can she sing. The wail on this girl is almost unmatched. Here’s to the start of a long career.

Heartstring Tugger of the Year
Kelly Clarkson - Sober

You read that right. The album, My December, has not even hit platinum status since its summer release, yet there are two singles from it on my list. If you’ve heard this song though, I don’t know how you could argue. Clarkson wails about the perils and pain of addiction (To a person? Substance? Situation? Does it matter?), amidst a simple background of acoustic guitar and quiet strings. Then, all of a sudden, all hell breaks loose, and the music sweeps up to hurricane strength to try and catch up to Clarkson’s powerhouse vocal performance. Anyone who has been in an addictive situation with anyone or anything will feel it so deep in their soul, it is almost unexplainable.

And finally...

Single of the Year
Rihanna – Umbrella

This was certainly the most inescapable song of the year 2007. Besides being played on nearly every type of station across the country (Who else would’ve like to hear Taylor Swift cover it for country?), it was covered by no less than 10 artists while it was still on the charts. Everyone from Mandy Moore to Travis Barker released a version of the hit, but none compared to the original. Ms. Fenty, better known as Rihanna, has only been churning out hits for two years, but released her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad, this year. Full of potential singles, this is the clear standout track. It’s dark. It’s bright. It’s muddy. It’s hopeful. It’s…love. Her voice straddles impassioned and carefree, often in the same line. The synth swirls around a fierce, crisp drum tack that won’t quit. Jay-Z opens the track with an arguably unnecessary guest rap, but nothing can take away from the ferocity of this song. Grammys, let’s not let her youth scare us from acknowledging the only choice for single of the year.


The Best of the Rest…

There were so many incredible songs this year released as singles. Here is my list of other noteworthy songs released this year. Whether they had my toes tapping, my head swirling, or my voice singing along, this is the best of the rest of 2007.

o Justin Timberlake – LoveStoned
o Nelly Furtado – Say It Right
o Beyonce – Irreplaceable
o Plain White T’s – Hey There Delilah
o M.I.A. - Boyz
o Jordin Sparks – Tattoo
o Timbaland f/ Keri Hilson & DOE – The Way I Are
o Britney Spears – Gimme More
o Kanye West – Stronger
o Amy Winehouse – Rehab
o Elliott Yamin – Wait For You
o Aly & AJ – Potential Breakup Song
o Sean Kingston – Beautiful Girls
o Miranda Lambert – Famous In A Small Town
o Chris Brown f/ T-Pain – Kiss Kiss
o Sara Bareilles – Love Song
o Taylor Swift – Teardrops On My Guitar
o Lil’ Mama – Lip Gloss
o Colbie Caillat – Bubbly
o Alicia Keys – Like You’ll Never See Me Again
o Timbaland f/ One Republic – Apologize
o Feist – 1,2,3,4
o Maroon 5 – Makes Me Wonder
o Rihanna – Shut Up And Drive