if 2011 were a mix cd.

Next up in my series of year-end lists is my favorite songs of the year. I should probably add a big fat disclaimer from the beginning: Although my albums list consisted almost completely of albums released in 2011, this list has a much wider range. This list is more like a smorgasbord of song obsessions from the past twelve months. Some are really popular songs, several were featured in commercials, and others I dug out of the dark corners of my iTunes library and fell in love with. I am ranking them here mostly by play count.

That being said, if I were to make a mix CD of songs I loved in 2011, this is probably what it would look like:

25. "Set Fire to the Rain" by Adele from 21
You had to know that the ubiquitous Adele was going to show up on one of these year-end music lists. This was my Adele track of choice this year, even if it isn't as tear-provoking as "Someone Like You."
24. "Time Stand" by Moon from Prom
This catchy track was featured in a teen movie starring Coach Taylor's daughter. That's a plus right there.
23. "Run in the Night (Psalm 27)" by Jars of Clay from Shelter
22. "Ready or Not" by Reptar from the internetz.
Who can resist a band named Reptar?
21. "Sun of a Gun" by Oh Land from Oh Land
20. "Waste" & "Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People from Torches
19. "Opposite of Adults" by Chiddy Bang from The Preview
Successfully sampling "Kids" by MGMT made this song irrestible for me.
18. "Who is This" by John Mark McMillan from Economy
17. "Till The World Ends" by Britney Spears from Femme Fatale
You go, Brit Brit.
16. "Heroes" by David Bowie from Heroes
15. "She Goes Around" by The Damnwells from No One Listens to the Band Anymore
14. "Dear God (Sincerely MOF)" by Monsters of Folk from Monsters of Folk
I have resisted MOF because I secretly think that a "supergroup" is just another way for bands to turn a buck, but this song's lyrics are honest and wonderful. Definitely put this one on repeat a few times.
13. "Holocene" by Bon Iver from Bon Iver
The moment I heard him sing, "And at once I knew I was not magnificent," I knew this song had its hooks in me.
12. "Helplessness Blues" by Fleet Foxes from Helplessness Blues
11. "Midnight City" by M83 from Hurry Up We're Dreaming
10. "Moneygrabber" by Fitz & the Tantrums from Pickin' Up The Pieces
9. "Hallelujah" by The Helio Sequence from Keep Your Eyes Ahead
This is one of the best driving songs. Trust me on this one.
8. "E.T." by Katy Perry from Teenage Dream
I have openly admitted that I love me some Katy Perry. This song snuck into my heart, even though it has some of the worst lyrics I have ever heard. It is just so fun to sing along with Katy about aliens!
7. "Down in the Valley" by The Head & The Heart from The Head & The Heart
6. "The Rip Tide" by Beirut from The Rip Tide

5. "The Transfiguration" by David Crowder Band from Seven Swans Reimagined
The song was featured on an album of bands covering songs from Sufjan Stevens' near-perfect record, Seven Swans. DCB does such a good job of making this song their own while sticking to the original concept that it's startling. The beautifully controlled musical chaos in this last thirty seconds of the songs has brought tears to my eyes.

 4. "My Love Follows You Where You Go" by Alison Krauss & Union Station from Paper Airplane
Simple, romantic lyrics coupled with driving blue grass make this song perfect.

3. "Paradise" by Coldplay from Mylo Xyloto
This song is a teensy bit transcendent. For real, though.

2. "Challengers" by The New Pornographers from Challengers
"Whatever the mess you are, you're mine." Tell me that doesn't resonate with you.

1. "Rise" by Josh Garrels from Love & War & The Sea In Between
"I may fall, but I will rise." The build is perfect. The lyrics are empowering. The music pushes you (in the good sort of way). No wonder I couldn't stop listening to this song in 2011.



What were your favorite songs this year?
-Caroline