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Best & Worst Singles of 2005:

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The good, the bad, and the just plain why...


Michelle

The best (from left to right): Damian Marley, "Welcome to Jamrock"; Amerie, "1 Thing"; Common, "Go!"; Kardinal Offishall, "Everyday (Rudebwoy)."

After having a long discussion with my brother, we both came to the realization that 2005 was a really crappy year for music. More specifically, it was an incredibly bad year for hip-hop and R&B. The only highlight for me was the Fugee's reunion on the BET Awards.

Hip-hop was once seen as an art form created by youth to voice their frustration, but as of late, it has evolved into an exceedingly commercial and materialistic genre. Songs about money and bling run rampant all over radio. Even Ma$e left the church to become a part of G-Unit (did you catch him in 50 Cent's "Window Shopper" video buying that lady's ring? Daaammnn!!). I'm sure you don't need to ask why I've become disenchanted with music.

It was also a dismal year for R&B. Just a few years back, the charts seemed to be ruled by R&B acts, but this year, (good) R&B artists barely made their presence known, with the exception of Mariah.

Since the contributions to music were not as good as in past years, I resorted to listening to old CDs. I chose not to listen to the radio, not to watch "106 & Park" (by the way, doesn't it suck since Free and AJ have gone?) and I absolutely refused to buy any CDs.

And then, just as I was about to renounce music and take up basket weaving, artists like Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, John Legend and k-os instilled my faith in the music biz. All of these artists showed us that they love music and that they were not going to sell out just to make a quick buck. And for that, I am grateful.

So without further ado, take a look at the songs that I liked, songs that I was surprised that I liked, and the songs that made me gag. Enjoy! ¤ Michelle

The BEST

1. "Welcome to Jamrock," Damian Marley (Welcome to Jamrock): This is my fave song of 2005. I love the grittiness of the song. I love how bleak it is and also how enlightening it is. This song proves that Damian Marley doesn't have to rely on his last name for credibility; his talent proves that to us.
2. "1 Thing," Amerie (Touch): The crazy frenetic drums totally made this song hot. "1 Thing" was released way back in April, but this is still the one song that I need to hear when I go out to dance.
3. "Lighters Up," Li'l Kim (The Naked Truth): Before Li'l Kim went to jail, she released "Lighters Up." I have never been a major Li'l Kim fan, but this song made me rethink her skills as a lyricist. This song is sick! Her ode to Brooklyn is tight. Don't worry girl, just do your time and we'll wait for you when you come out of jail!
4. "Shake It Off," Mariah Carey (The Emancipation of Mimi): It's the perfect mix of pop and R&B. Very danceable.
5. "Karma," Alicia Keys (The Diary of Alicia Keys): I could have easily chosen at least five songs off of her CD that I enjoyed this year, but "Karma" was the song that hit home. It reminded me of how I felt in past relationships, and how good I felt when I was free from them. Thanks for the song, Alicia!
6. "Heard 'Em Say," Kanye West featuring Adam Levine (Late Registration): I have such a love/hate relationship with Kanye West. I hate that he's such a whiner, but I truly enjoy his music. It almost makes up for all his complaints...almost. When I heard that he was doing a duet with Adam Levine (from Maroon 5), I thought that it was an odd pairing and I couldn't imagine what the song would sound like. But Levine's falsetto alongside Kanye's raps, actually works. To be honest, it's Levine's sweet voice and the piano that make this song. It is so dream-like that having an animated video was the perfect accompaniment to the song.
7. "Go!" Common (Be): You can seriously strip the vocals from this song and it would still be an amazing song. It's so chill and relaxing; you almost forget that he's talking about gettin' some.
8. "Crucial," k-os (Joyful Rebellion): k-os can do no wrong in my eyes. He has consistently released great music, and this song is no exception. He blends a reggae vibe with thought provoking lyrics and produces probably one of the best songs in the past five years. If you don't already have his album, buy it!
9. "Ordinary People," John Legend (Let's Get Lifted): This man can basically sing anything and it will sound good. His lush gospel-esque voice gives his songs such depth and emotion. This song tugs at my heart and evokes so much emotion from me. It makes me a little sad because he speaks about being in a very rocky relationship, wondering if it will work or not. But just like life, he doesn't give a fairytale ending; he just suggests that if it is meant to be, it will work out.
10. "Everyday (Rudebwoy)," Kardinal Offishall (Fire And Glory): There are two reasons why I like this song. The first is that Kardi sampled one of my favourite songs ever - "People Everyday" from Arrested Development, which is a classic in my eyes. The second reason is the lyrics. If you are from Toronto and you are West Indian, then I'm sure that you are giving Kardi props for this song. He mentions many West Indian things that we can relate to. The world of hip hop is not just New York, Los Angeles and the south. Kardi is letting the world know that the T.Dot has a lot to say!

Songs That I Am Shocked That I Like...But I Do

"Sittin' Sideways," Paul Wall featuring Big Pokey (The People's Champ): I have dogged this man in the past for being bling obsessed (the man wears and sells bling for your teeth!), but I like this song. The lyrics aren't saying much, but the beat is pure gangsta!

"Stay Fly," Three 6 Mafia (Most Known Unknown): I will say that my love for this song even surprises me. The actual content is utter foolishness, but the chorus is infectious. It's the one ghettofab song that I feel justified in liking.

"Breakaway," Kelly Clarkson (Breakaway): Okay, this song may be cheesy and sappy, but it's so over the top, that I can't help but sing along when I hear it. It will become my signature karaoke song.

"Naked," Marques Houston (Naked): Truthfully, this is one of the sexiest songs that I heard in a long time. I'm amazed that such a young guy could deliver such a sultry song (it's something R. Kelly or Prince would do). I ain't gonna lie, when I hear this song, I wanna a little somethin' somethin'.

"Touch," Omarion (O): I'm not a fan of boy bands, but this ex-B2Ker gets props for this song. Some may find it annoying because the beat is all over the place, but that's the appeal of this song.

The WORST

1. "My Humps," The Black Eyed Peas (Monkey Business): Dammit, I really hate this song. Not only is this one of the most offensive songs ever, but BEP's feeble attempt at an old skool vibe was totally misguided. This song only makes me hate BEP even more. Thanks, guys.
2. "I Got It Like That," Pharrell Williams featuring Gwen Stefani (In My Mind): Remember when Pharrell used to be cool? When he actually made a song that much hotter when he spit a few lines? Now he's making songs like "Drop It Like It's Hot," and "I Got It Like That." When did he fall off? I blame Snoop.
3. "Hollaback Girl" and "Luxurious," Gwen Stefani (Love. Angel. Music. Baby.): Gwen, Gwen, Gwen. What is wrong with you, girl? What the hell is a "hollaback" girl? And were we really supposed to believe you as gangsta girl in the video for "Luxurious"? I don't think so.
4. "Grillz," Nelly featuring Paul Wall (Sweatsuit): I thought that "Air Force Ones" was Nelly's worst song. Looks like there's a new winner. Sample lyrics: "Smile fo me daddy, (what you lookin at), let me see ya grill (let me see my what), ya, ya grill, ya, ya, ya grill."
5. "I Think They Like Me," Dem Franchize Boyz (Dem Franchise Boyz): There isn't much that I can say to explain how bad this is. Just trust me on it.
6. "Switch," Will Smith (Lost and Found): It's a Will Smith joint. Nuff said.
7. "These Boots Were Made for Walking," Jessica Simpson (The Dukes of Hazzard Soundtrack): I'm sure that the movie was way better than this song!
8. "Laffy Taffy," D4L (Down 4 Life): For those who never heard this song, consider yourself extremely lucky!
9. "Wait (The Whisper Song)," The Ying Yang Twins (USA (United States of Atlanta)): For the entire song, the Ying Yang Twins whisper the words. The novelty wears thin by the second line.
10. "L.O.V.E.," Ashlee Simpson (I Am Me): I saw her perform this on The Billboard Awards. I wanted to dive through my TV and slap the girl. It's very irritating, no?

[ Christine's list. Part II of the best and worst. ]