Best of Music 2011

Yes, over the last few years, my tastes have gone back to pure pop. So be it!

See here:
Best of Music 2010
Best of Music 2009
Best of Music 2008
Best of Music 2007
Best of Music 2006

"Best" of course is a relative term but here's the music I found myself most wanting to hear throughout the year.
Here are my picks for the Best of Music 2011:

1. Adele - 21
There really wasn't any question this year, was there? Obvious top spot, but for obvious reasons.


2. Raúl Esparza: In concert at Black Creek Festival's Best of Broadway at Rexall Centre, Toronto - "Soliloquy" from Carousel", "Defying Gravity" from Wicked". In concert at The Kennedy Center 9/11 10th Anniversary Memorial Concert in Washington, D.C. - "Hallelujah"
Chilling, wonderful, haunting. Raúl's live performances were simply astounding and unforgettable. (For "Hallelujah", check the video at the 68 min. mark)


3. J. Lo feat. Pitbull - "On the Floor"
Try not moving to that beat! Who knew J. Lo could still come back with a pumping dance track.


4. Britney Spears - "Hold It Against Me"
Britney's back bitch! And with a great song of double entendre's? What could be better?


5. One Direction - "What Makes You Beautiful"
The next generation of the British boyband and it's absolutely darling!


6. The Book of Mormon - Original Broadway Cast Recording
The music and songs are the star of the show, despite what the buzz is saying. A stellar recording that actually betters the hit Broadway show by keeping it to the hilarious and tuneful songs and still exuding the sweet charm of the story.


7. Hedley feat. P. Reign - "Invincible"
Not Hedley's best (especially not as perfect as last year's #1 choice "Perfect") and yet I still couldn't get it out of my head, nor could I not sing along everytime I heard it. Some great hooks, Jacob Hoggard sounding great with his pop raspy voice, and I can't get enough of it.


8. Kristina Maria feat. Laza Morgan -"Co-Pilot"
A sweet beat that turns the ignorable simple lyrics into something fun and infectious, with a staccato of consonants that give it an extra oomph.


9. Bad Vs. Evil feat. Bruno Mars - "Lighters"
A great mix of hard edged of Eminem and Royce d 5'9"'s rapping and the smooth sounds of Bruno Mars' voice.


10. Adam Levine: Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera - "Moves Like Jagger" and Gym Glass Heroes feat. Adam Levine - "Stereo Hearts"
A one two punch with two of the catchiest songs of the year. Adam Levine sure gets around.


Honourable Mentions:
Billy Currington - "Let Me Down Easy"
Blake Shelton - "Honey Bee"
Cody Simpson - "On My Mind"
Gavin DeGraw - "Not Over You"
Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson - "Don't You Wanna Stay"
Lady Antebellum - "Just a Kiss" and "Hello World"
Manafest - "Everytime You Run"
The Midway State - "Atlantic"
Neverest - "About Us" and "Everything"
Rascal Flatts - "I Won't Let Go"
Selena Gomez & the Scene - "Love You Like a Love Song"
Thompson Square - "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not"
Tinie Tempah feat. Eric Turner - "Written in the Stars"
Zac Brown Band - "Colder Weather"

Undecided Song I both love and hate:
Nicki Minaj - "Super Bass"
Love half the song, love the beat, hate moments within, especially when she uses the mocking voice.

Foster the People - "Pumped Up Kicks"
Love the beat, but why does this song get a pass at repeated lyrics and dance tunes usually don't? The least they could have done is a lame rhyme as opposed to repeating the same few words.


The Worst of Music 2010:
LMFAO


Here's the Best of List in video format:

1. Adele - 21 (Album)
"Set Fire to Rain"

"Someone Like You"


2. Raúl Esparza: In concert at Black Creek Festival's Best of Broadway at Rexall Centre, Toronto - "Soliloquy" from Carousel", "Defying Gravity" from Wicked". In concert at The Kennedy Center 9/11 10th Anniversary Memorial Concert in Washington, D.C. - "Hallelujah"
For "Hallelujah", check the video at the 68 min. mark.

3. J. Lo feat. Pitbull - "On the Floor"


4. Britney Spears - "Hold It Against Me"


5. One Direction - "What Makes You Beautiful"


6. The Book of Mormon - Original Broadway Cast Recording
Andrew Rannells and company - "I Believe"


7. Hedley feat. P. Reign - "Invincible"


8. Kristina Maria feat. Laza Morgan -"Co-Pilot"


9. Bad Vs. Evil feat. Bruno Mars - "Lighters"


10. Adam Levine: Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera - "Moves Like Jagger"

and Gym Glass Heroes feat. Adam Levine - "Stereo Hearts"



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Best of 2011 Lists:
Best of Music 2011
Best of Television 2011
Best of Stage 2011
Best of Movies 2011

Previous Best-of Lists:
Best of 2010 Lists:
Best of Music 2010
Best of Television 2010
Best of Stage 2010
Best of Movies 2010

Best of 2009 Lists:
Best of Music 2009
Best of Television 2009
Best of Stage 2009
Best of Movies 2009

Decadeworthy - The Best of 2000-2009 Lists:
SYTYCDworthy (w/ Videos) - List Format
Theatre of the Decade
Best Films of the Decade
Favorite Films of the Decade
Television of the Decade
Television of the Decade - 1 Season Wonders

Best of 2008 Lists:
Best of Music 2008
Best of Television 2008
Best of Stage 2008
Best of Movies 2008
Best of Television Fall '07 - Winter '08 List

Best of 2007 Lists:
Best of Music 2007
Best of Television 2007
Best of Movies 2007
Best of Stage 2007
Best of 2007 (The Final Wrap Up)
Best of Television Fall '06 - Winter '07 List

Best of 2006 Lists:
Best of Music 2006
Best of Television 2006
Best of Movies 2006
Best of 2006
Best of Television Fall '05 - Winter '06 List

Best of 2005 Lists:
Best of Television 2005
Best of Movies 2005

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com