Singles 01.11.06: Issue #40
Posted by Michael Horvath on 01.11.2006
Special Singles YEAR IN REVIEW COLUMN Part 1 – The Top 20 Songs of 2005!!!
Here it is, the column that you all have been waiting very patiently for. It's the top 20 rock singles from 2005. A year that was very good for rock enthusiasts. We had the return of Nine Inch Nails, Weezer and the Foo Fighters. We were privileged enough to get two new albums from System of a Down within an eight month span. However when you look at the list you will notice that yes all of the rock heavy hitters are there, but sadly there are basically no new bands (there is kind of one, keep reading to find out). Not one band came out of nowhere to break through in 2005. Unlike in 2004 when bands like Three Days Grace and Evanescence came out of nowhere.
The criteria for the top 20 goes like this - 1/3 from year end charts from modern rock radio stations, billboard and soundscan, 1/3 from your votes and 1/3 from my professional opinion. Also, all the songs had to be released sometime in 2005. Not one song is allowed that was popular in or released in late 2004 that carried over to 2005. So there will be no Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Velvet Revolver, Crossfade, Slipknot, U2, The Killers and so on.
So strap yourself in because this is going to be one hell of a good ride.
20. Thrice – Image of the Invisible
What I Said Then… Oh. Hell. Yeah. Am I a big fan of Thrice? Uh, yeah! Does that mean I am going to be biased? Nope because that is my code that I have sworn to. But believe me when I say this, Image of the Invisible is the may be the best hard rock song that I have heard all year. To long time fans of Thrice it may sound like nothing has changed one bit as Thrice is still going strong with the material that originally brought them to the dance. And for the lead single from their upcoming release "Vheissu," which will be available on October 18, 2005, that is true. But I have been lucky enough to hear the entire CD and all I will say at this point is that "Vheissu" is unlike any Thrice CD you have ever heard before. There may not be a better song out there in 2005 that moves from the rapid edgy versus to a melodic chorus than Image of the Invisible. This is definitely going to be one of those songs that radio starts to warm up to as time goes by. Thrice has reached that point where they are no longer underground. They deserve to be heard and after the success of their last CD "The Artist In The Ambulance" Thrice is not going anywhere. Do yourself a massive favor and let your ears hear this song and then go out and buy Thrice's new CD "Vheissu" on Tuesday and enjoy one of the best releases of 2005! 4/5
What I Say Now… Okay, okay. This is definitely one of my personal choices, although it did appear on several reader's lists as well. Thrice is not big enough yet to makes it way onto billboard's year end charts and hardly made it onto many modern rock stations year end charts as well. But that is mainly do to the fact that the song has only been out for about two months now. The best part is that Image of the Invisible is continuing to get radio airplay in more and more markets because it is such a great tune.
19. 311 – Don't Tread On Me
What I Said Then… Ah yes, what would summer be like without a soothing, Caribbean sounding jam from 311? The correct answer is pretty shitty. 311 have basically based there career on wonderfully crafted soothing jams that really suit the lazy end days of summer. Songs like Amber and I'll Be Awhile are classics. 311 really got their start with songs like Down and Come Original which had more rocking beats to it. My all time favorite 311 tracks happens to be the lead single off of their previous CD "From Chaos" and the song is called Creatures (For Awhile) and is a rocking song full of guitars and a steady beat. Well, if you just happen to be a fan of the soothing sound 311 instead of the rocking sound of 311, you are most certainly going to be happy because on August 16, 2005, 311 will release their newest effort entitled "Don't Tread On Me" which features the first single also called Don't Tread On Me. 311 also happens to be a band that are very unique, as I cannot think of another band that sounds like them. Right off the get go with the deep bass and Caribbean sounding beat, you know this is a classic 311 song. The lyrics simply flow over the beat, like waves flowing onto a beach (how about that analogy?). This is not a song that is going to get your head nodding, but the chorus does increase the guitar thread. This song is best suited for when you are in the mood to grab a beer and sit and watch the sun set, if that is your cup of tea. 3/5
What I Say Now… This is one of those songs that has grown on me over the months. I would have really liked to have seen this song released back in the summer as 311 has the perfect summer jam band sound. It's the build up and the chorus that does it for me here. But still I can't help but think how this song sounds a lot like all the other 311 songs, without any edge.
18. System of a Down – Hypnotize
What I Said Then… Two things, if you don't know who System of a Down are and that they are releasing two brand new albums this year, get out of my continent. The first album of the year was "Mesmerize" and it was released back on May 17 and I have to admit, for me it has been one of the most disappointing CDs of the year. "Mesmerize" produced such hits as Cigaro, BYOB and Question. So in 2005 there has already been a lot of System of a Down heard on the radio. Now we have the title track from the band's second CD of the year "Hypnotize." When interviewed Serj Tankian and guitarist Daron Malkian have been stating over and over again that there is a dynamic difference between "Mesmerize" and "Hypnotize," which is why they had to created two separate albums instead of combining them all into one CD or a double disc. Serj and Daron may just be right as lead single Hypnotize seems to be a bit more prominent on the soothing melody side of things that the singles from "Mesmerize." When I first heard Hypnotize over a month ago, I more than just disappointed, this time I was pissed off because I know System of a Down are better than this. But I remember telling myself to give the song sometime before placing an official judgment. So slowly and surely the song has won me over. I am at the point now where I can clearly say that Hypnotize may be the best System of a Down song in 2005. The movement between calm lyrical interludes and then smashing into melodic vocals with louder guitars is very impressive. There are two downfalls to Hypnotize however. One being the receptiveness of the lyrics, "I'm just sitting in my car waiting for…" is heard dozens of times. And two, which is the most obvious, Daron Malkian needs to stop singing. I mean a restraining order needs to be placed on him so that he cannot come within 25 feet of a mic. Nevertheless, I think the boys in System of a Down have won me back over with Hypnoitze (it really wasn't hard) and I am very excited to hear what else is on "Hypnotize." 4/5
What I Say Now… Hypnotize is still gaining popularity on the billboard charts, but it seems to have definitely reached its peak at rock radio. Let's be honest here, for a band like System of a Down to get any radio airplay on today's watered down, pussy radio, is a great accomplishment in itself. Hypnotize may be the lightest single so far from System of a Down, but it is very catchy, even if Daron still can't freaking sing!
17. Chevelle – The Clincher
What I Said Then…The Clincher is the second single from Chevelle's latest disc called "This Type Of Thinking (Can Do Us In)". It has yet to really catch on to modern rock stations as the song tends to me a little too hard for today's rock stations, which sucks. This song is great, much along the lines of the band's biggest hit Send The Pain Below. The hard versus flow very well into the chorus and the vocals really stand out in this track. Chevelle has an abundance of great songs, and this is one of their better ones. 4/5
What I Say Now… This song was on the charts for almost five months straight. Chevelle has worked very hard and now is a mainstay on the hard rock scene. I was dead on here in my review, the flow from soothing gentle musical interludes to raw, all out aggression is very impressive and can pump you up!
16. Fall Out Boy – Sugar, We're Going Down
What I Said Then… Drawing influences from a healthy wealth of rock, pop and hardcore, Fall Out Boy has constructed a distinctive sound of unforgettable melodies and quick stop-and-start breakdowns that mischievous flirt with clever lyrics and multifaceted guitar hooks. Fall Out Boy's coyly charming narratives on their last cd "Take This To Your Grave" tell the tales of the obstacles that come with true friendships and the trials and tribulations of growing up. It provides the perfect soundtrack for everyone who knows what it is like to be young and unsure of what the future holds. Recently signed to Island Records, Fall Out Boy will now get the push that they really deserve and it seems that the sky may be the limit for this punky rock band. Their new CD entitled "From Under The Cork Tree" is set to hit stores May 3, 2005. Sugar, We're Going Down is a very clever song. It sounds a lot like a Taking Back Sunday or New Found Glory song, but nevertheless, Fall Out Boy seems to have almost struck gold with Sugar, We're Going Down. The song starts with a great punk beat and builds into a great chorus that surely will get your entire body moving. It will be very interesting to see if radio grabs onto Fall Out Boy or not. The band is finally signed to a major label so now they will get the push that they deserve. Watch for Fall Out Boy to perhaps be one of the breakout bands of 2005. 4/5
What I Say Now… Here we have the only break out band of 2005. If you can consider Fall Out Boy a break out band because anyone has followed the punk rock scene over the last four or five years knows about these guys. But not Fall Out Boy's massive hit Sugar, We're Going Down is still getting airplay all over North America and they even charted in the top 20 of billboards year end charts and was also one many reader's list as well.
15. Shinedown – Save Me
What I Said Then… Shinedown has returned and with Save Me it appears as if the band has not missed a step! You may remember Shinedown as the band that really came out of nowhere to produce such great alternative/grunge hits as 45, Simple Man and Fly From The Inside. In fact the band's debut CD "Leave A Whisper," which was released back in 2002 has gone gold selling over 500 000 copies and is approaching platinum status. For a band that has really came out of nowhere, you may think that a sophomore jinx is inevitable. That may not be the case with Shinedown. Save Me may not be the best song ever created and does not compare to their previous songs. However, for what it is, Save Me is a great rocking track. Vocalist Brent Smith has a voice that was meant for this style of rock music. The lyrics just flow over the guitars and drums as the verses slowly build up into a full out chorus. Radio is really beginning to jump onto this song as well. It has been one of the top 3 most added songs to rock radio over the past three weeks, which is a great song. If you like Audioslave and Seether, Shinedown is going to be a great fit for you. Give them a listen and pick up their new CD "Us & Them" which will hit stores of October 4, 2005. 3/5
What I Say Now… If only Shinedown has released their new CD about a month or two earlier, this song would have been in the top 10 for sure and may have made a strong push for the top 5. Why you may ask? Well, the darn song has been #1 on billboard's modern rock chart for nearly two months now and is showing no signs of slowing down. Shinedown has a very distinct sound that mixes southern rock with some grunge elements that they are using to their advantage. Look for Shinedown to be on my top of 2006 column as well.
14. Audioslave – Doesn't Remind Me
What I Said Then… This is Audioslave at there pure best. If you ask me this should have been the first single from their latest disc "Out of Exile." Sure the first single Be Yourself was #1 on the Billboard rock charts and the second single Your Time Has Come hardly even made a dent on radio or on the charts, but Doesn't Remind Me has the beat to be #1 for months! When Doesn't Remind Me was released to radio about a week ago, almost every station seemed to drop Your Time Has Come off their playlist and double the airtime of Doesn't Remind Me. Why? Because it is the best song on "Out of Exile." It starts with a slow guitar and drum beat while Chris Cornell sings softly. The song builds up into the rocking chorus and then jumps right into the Tom Morello guitar solo. This is what makes Audioslave so great! Trust me, this song will be around for quite awhile and so will "Out of Exile" because by the time things are all done, there will probably be something like five singles from the album. 4/5
What I Say Now… Everyone knew that Audioslave's sophomore disc was going to be a hit. When a band has members like Audioslave does, there is no such thing as a sophomore jinx. Doesn't Remind Me may just be the best song off of "Out of Exile" and it was the third single. Chris Cornell has some very good crooning vocals on this tune and throw in Tom Morello's guitar and you've got a hit.
13. Foo Fighters – DOA
What I Said Then… If you have been listening to any rock radio station in North America over the last month, you may have heard a slew of tracks being played off of the Foo Fighters latest and greatest CD "In Your Honor." Well, Dave Grohl and crew have officially chosen DOA as the second single. Two thing come to mind with this choice. One, they could have chosen almost any song from disc one to be the second single because it is that good and two, it is interesting that the highly touted acoustic side (disc two) is apparently not going to get a single released to radio. Although that may change with the third single, but even on tour the band is only playing one song off of the acoustic disc and that song just happens to be the song that is sung by drummer Taylor Hawkins called Cold Day In The Sun. As for DOA it has all the elements of a classic Foo Fighters song, the flashy guitar with customary guitar solo near the end of the song, a great groovy chorus that actually has Dave Grohl singing and not screaming (although he sure loves to scream live). So far, the Foo Fighters "In Your Honor" seems to have a permanent spot in my top 3 CDs of 2005 and with songs like DOA you can understand why. 4/5
What I Say Now… This song has been such a hit for the Foo Fighters that they still have yet to release a third single from "In Your Honor." In fact, DOA lasted #1 on the billboard rock charts longer than Best of You (mainly due to rather poor competition). DOA really helps showcase as lead singer Dave Grohl as a great singer/songwriter. He doesn't scream at all in this song and his vocals blend perfectly with the melodies.
12. Mudvayne – Happy
What I Said Then… On April 12, Mudvayne will offer up their third disc entitled "Lost and Found" and the first single is non other than Happy. Happy is a good song, but it shows that perhaps Mudvayne is softening up a bit. Now don't get me wrong, this song is still full of angst and is very edgy, but it will be interesting to hear the rest of the CD to see what direction Mudvayne has decided to go with. I also understand that Happy is the logical choice for the first single because rock radio these days does not play anything heavy. Happy is your typical angst ridden rock song, full of raging guitars and loud vocals. Not bad. 3/5
What I Say Now… I had no idea that Happy was going to be such a success for Mudvayne. In all honesty, I thought that Mudvayne was slipping a bit and may even drop of the radar all together. In this case I couldn't be more wrong and I am glad that I am wrong. Mudvayne has transformed their sound to be a little bit more mainstream so they can get some radio airplay. Well that may piss off some die hard fans, I am sure that it has made their pockets a little heavier. Much like System of a Down, I don't care how they do it, just as long as bands like Mudvayne get radio airplay.
11. Green Day – Wake Me Up When September Ends
What I Said Then… I was shocked when I heard this song on the radio as I was driving home from work last week. I really thought that Green Day had got as much as they could out of the monster that "American Idiot" has become. However, this song sounds a little different than any other song off of "American Idiot" as this song is very soft, gentle and soothing. It starts off with Billy Joe just singing with an acoustic guitar, then a soft drum beat is heard in the background and it slowly builds up and then the guitars hit. Wake Me Up When September Ends continuously moves from very soft acoustic sounds, to your typical Green Day sound. If anything else, this song proves how solid of a CD "American Idiot" really is. 3/5
What I Say Now… It has been the year of Green Day for the past year and a half now and these guys keep going and going. In late 2004 they released their biggest hit Boulevard of Broken Dreams and it was perhaps one of the biggest songs of 2005 period, but it was released in 2004 so it is disqualified. They followed that song with yet another long lasting hit in Wake Me Up When September Ends. This song mixes the classic mix of an acoustic beginning to a Green Day punk rock song in the middle. Simply magnificent and the war themed music video also helped push this song to the top.
Whose going to be #1? Well, I guess you are going to have to wait until next week to find out when I bring you part 2 of my Singles: Year in Review!
