The songs portion is always the hardest, being that there are so many good ones. Cutting down at least 1,000 songs to 50 is a daunting task, and one that I hope I do a bit of justice. I know I won’t make everyone happy, but at the very least this list is honest. It’s honest with myself and honest in terms of how I perceive music. If you like my honesty, I hope you enjoy this list.

50. David Cook – “Fade into Me”

I have a soft side for David Cook; that doesn’t mean that this song doesn’t deserve to be on this list though. The song content suggests a love interest, but the music video is about the live experience, and translates well into that. I must admit though, I am a sucker for sweet ballads. You know this song is intense if you want to drown in a moment with someone until you start to breath again. This is raw human emotion, captured beautifully in its natural form and naked to bear for the world.

49. The Dear Hunter – “We’ve Got a Score to Settle”

The Dear Hunter has explored the color spectrum with some interesting results. This song comes from the “Red EP” and deals with that certain shade of red that ends up on your hands when things have gone too far. “Forget about truth or consequences, we’ve got a way to deal with this;” with that, you know just how far this song and it’s protagonist is willing to go.

48. Paramore – “Monster”

This was the only good thing to come from Transformers: Dark of the Moon, but this song also proves that, even without the Farro brothers, Paramore will carry on. The song fits the movie well, doing anything to stop evil from winning and taking over the world. Despite it being a soundtrack song, it holds well on its own, and Paramore take it seriously, judging by the music video. We should see a new record from Paramore next year, at least let’s hope.

47. Death Cab for Cutie – “You Are a Tourist”

This song almost sounds like Ben Gibbard and Zoey Deschanel breaking up, but deals with making the best decisions regardless of how bad the outcome feels. The music video is stunning, and contains lights similar to the ones that light up on the comforter my wife got for Christmas (go Tinkerbell I guess.). The guitar riff to this song is infectious, more infectious than anything Death Cab have put out previously, coupled with Gibbard’s flawless vocals, make it one great song.

46. O.A.R. – “Heaven”

Acceptance seems to be a big theme for many bands and O.A.R. take it to big places with this catchy tune, all the way to Heaven. This song is also a no regrets looking back at the life you’ve lived, but laments on lessons well worth learning (“love will get you higher.”). With some life lessons, and a no acceptance policy, O.A.R. did well for themselves with “Heaven.”

45. The Boxer Rebellion – “Step Out of the Car”

This song sounds like a great action sequence in a less than stellar movie. The bleak setting of this song is effective, and the melody is unrelenting in a way that forces surrender. TBR’s bleak lyrics allow the melody to take control, set the tone, and bring the song to unexpected levels. That’s why you should be listening to this band, one thing though, the music video for this song SUCKS!

44. Saves the Day – “Chameleon”

With an intro that sounds like scales being played, a simple melody, and high pitched lyrics, Saves the Day are back with some of the best songs they’ve ever recorded. You can’t get much bleaker than this, a relationship ended, and an end of the world scenario. Perhaps, that is the same for some, especially after long relationships. Regardless, the songs acoustic/electric guitar parts swim in this song, along with a well placed violin, you’ve never heard anything like this from Saves the Day before.

43. blink-182 – “After Midnight”

This is a perfect night time song that will serve you well on a long walk down a dark road. This song seems to reflect the break up the band went through last decade. But it’s also about the best parts of what you have and embracing them. Memories are such a strong influence in people’s lives that it can often keep them together. This song brings out the best in all of these things and shows us the new direction that blink is taking.

42. Pistol Annies – “Hell on Heels”

This song shows us the lengths some women will go to get what they want, including deals with the devil. This country super-trio includes Angaleena Presley, Ashley Monroe, and Miranda Lambert. This song is written with passion Robert Johnson had for his craft, and may have costed him his life, and here it may cost men what they value most. And in that Robert Johnson tradition, it’s turned on it’s head in a brilliant fashion that should grab your attention.

41. Parachute – “Something to Believe In”

Sometimes we may be caught up in looking for signs and that is where this songs embrace is in. Sometimes you just have to take the bull by the reins and restore control. The almost gospel type backing vocals add texture, making it almost seem like a choir song in church. Parachute also shows us that there is nothing wrong with a well placed sax solo. It appears that the church of Parachute is open for business.

40. Jack’s Mannequin – “Restless Dream”

Easily the most beautiful song from the latest Jack’s Mannequin album, “Restless Dream” is unique in that it doesn’t remember the ex of this song, it still plagues him. In dreams, what could have been come out, more so than memories, and JM captures that in such a way will cause you to take stock in past relationships. There’s something about how simple instrumentation can capture emotions unseen. Remove the complexity and what’s left? Love, loss, and beauty.

39. Four Year Strong – “Just Drive”

So the end of the world is coming, what do you do? In typical punk fashion, FYS will tell you to live it up before the bomb goes off. “Just Drive” pulls off the end of the world sequence better than 2012 could ever dream of. While capturing the best of what FYS has to offer, they also create a more accessible band and a bigger sound that says I’m ready for the big time!

38. Cold War Kids – “Mine Is Yours”

When love works out, you move to this stage in the relationship. The stage that CWKs’ have effectively named the “Mine Is Yours” stage. If the serious relationship could be this simple, it would be the best, but living in this relationship would be nice. The piano adds an element that makes them sound like piano bells. Critics have written off CWKs as having given up, but listen to this and you’ll here the beginning of the best.

37. The Lonely Island featuring Michael Bolton – “Jack Sparrow”

Where will TLI not go? And when was the last time we heard from Michael Bolton? Well TLI answer that question with “Jack Sparrow.” Who knew Michael Bolton was that obsessed with The Pirates of the Caribbean? Well your basic premise is, the Lonely Island are trying to take themselves seriously, if that’s possible, and Michael Bolton’s obsession takes the song in interesting directions. Just listen, this is so funny!

36. Eric Church – “Homeboy”

Eric Church released the best country album of the year, and in “Homeboy,” It’s most unique hit. This isn’t the kind of home boy you would like to be associated with. Especially in a town where you don’t fit in. The song is also a plea from a brother, to shed those old ways and come on “home boy.” This song cements Church’s place in the paragon of country music.

35. Radiohead – “Lotus Flower”

Songs like “Lotus Flower” show us how Radiohead can pretty much do what ever the hell they want and it will be good. This song has it’s Buddhist influences, the Lotus alone suggests this. It also makes for the strangest music video and was the beginning that ushered in the year of the crazy dancing in music videos.

34. Mastodon – “Curl of the Burl”

Strange title, but the burl refers to the knots in trees, and the melody provides that natural feel of the woods with a sinister ambition. The music video captures  perfectly, what the song is about, with drug affiliations and well OK maybe the monster isn’t accurate. But here, Mastodon explores the human monster, which is something new for them and something that is pulled off quite well.

33. Blake Shelton – “God Gave Me You”

For those people that come into your life, save you, not God, but the human side, this song is for them. You know who they are, we all have them. Whether they are your children, your spouse, your parents, your friends, regardless, this is a song for them to revel in. Originally composed by Dave Barnes, Blake makes this song his own, and it’s a joy to listen to.

32. R.E.M. – It Happened Today

As I’ve said before, this song sounds like R.E.M. breaking up before it officially happened but, it doesn’t make it any less extraordinary. The lyrics sound like it was written from the perspective of an angel, but they’re so vague and mysterious that it’s hard to tell. Despite that, the song is a beautiful cadence at the end of a long career.

31. Bobby Long – “Sick Man Blues”

Bobby Long is the UK’s best kept Bob Dylan secret. This haunting song paints the picture of a terminal man, with a good woman wasting away caring for him. This unique music video suggests that it could be about The King himself, but is it really? Regardless, this song will have you.

30. The Wilderness of Manitoba – “Hermit”

I’m not sure where I found TWOB, but I’m glad I did. This Canadian chamber folk group bring to you a hermit love song, about a man who’s house burnt down, lives in the woods and loves a woman who will see him as nothing more than a hermit. Our protagonist is hopeful to change the situation, and this song will make you hope he does.

29. We Are Augustines – “Headlong into the Abyss”

The phrase “drive it like you stole it” takes on a new meaning here. You’d swear that you were listening to an Arcade Fire song, but these song smiths come to play and play hard. “Headlong” also tends to capture that feeling of how driving, and driving fast can be more potent than any drug, and more quick, even to the detriment of the driver. In the end, you have another song added to the “four to the floor and drive as fast as you can” canon.

28. Aaron Gillespie – “Earnestly I Seek Thee”

Easily the most honest song about a man’s search for God, it was inspired by Gillespie’s trip down to Haiti following the devastating earthquake that shook it to the bone. To its bones, this is just an opening up, to understand something that cannot be fully understood. But there is always hope, and this song is that hope.

27. Kurt Vile – “Baby’s Arms”

The continuation of being suckered into good love music. Kurt Vile delivers a beautiful song from the perspective of being in their arms, way better than Christina Perri could ever dream to pull off. I guess I just believe it a little more, especially after “Jar of Hearts,” the extremes are too far apart. I digress, this isn’t his first trip to the waterhole, but it is his best thus far.

26. Bright Eyes – “Ladder Song”

Conor Oberst has always been a unique individual, but he takes it to a new level on “Ladder Song.” “Ladder” seems to be Oberst’s commentary on religion, even stating that he’d rather take a “ride in a silver ship.” There is a despondent feeling to this song as well, that humans aren’t unique or this planet. Perphas Conor Oberst has become an ancient alien theorist or something.

25. Zak Brown Band – “Colder Weather”

“Baby It’s Cold Outside” gets a more wider appeal in Zak Brown Band’s “Colder Weather.” The song almost feels like an audible version of the film Cold Mountain and nothing is going to stop our protagonist from reaching his final destination, whatever or whoever that may be. Zak Brown Band has become a country staple, and 2012 will hopefully see some new music from them.

24. Drive-By Truckers – “Used to Be a Cop”

The best cut from the Truckers’ latest album, Go-Go Boots, finds the focus of the story in a bit of a sham. A former cop, former husband, and former party hound, this man is a little jumpy at the gun, with his life in shambles. Patterson Hood always finds the most interesting subjects for his songs and he puts his characters through hell; making for the best music ever written.

23. Miranda Lambert – “Over You”

The winter always paints a bleak picture, one of dead and ending. Miranda chooses it’s nature and makes it the backdrop for a relationship to end. Sometimes its hard to get over ex’s, and here our character will never be able to “get over you.” I hope they make this song an official single at some point, because it deserves to be.

22. My Morning Jacket – “Circuital”

The new word of the year is circuital, which roughly means a circular journey or one that ends where it began. Jim James chooses to put this to life and perhaps a jab at religiosity. This band has evolved into something more than your average ordinary southern rock band, into a band that takes chances that pay off.

21. The Script – “For the First Time”

The Script have the unique nature of capturing moments in time for the every man. Let’s face it, these times suck hard. The economy is in the tubes, and “For the First Time” knows how it can be. But among this badness, The Script show us how love can be rediscovered in times like these. In the very least, The Script shows us that who can we turn to in times like these? Those closest to us.

20. Adele – “Someone Like You”

If there is a music video to evoke the emotion of a song, it is this one. This song is as fragile as the relationship it speaks of, but shows a resilience strong enough to pull it through, much like Adele after the ending of the 18 month relationship that is the subject of this song. I don’t really think any words that I write will do this song justice so I will end them here.

19. Burlap to Cashmere – “The Other Country”

This song wouldn’t be lost on modern bands like Dawes or even classic groups like Van Morrison, The Eagles, or Jackson Browne. The song was inspired by lead singer, Steven Delopoulos’, experience with a family member dying, who’s last words were “I see the other country.” These words make for a powerful refrain, and ultimately a powerful song.

18. Florence + the Machine – “No Light, No Light”

Self-criticism is one of the hardest things to lay on the table, but Florence Welch does in such a way that makes it passionate and beautiful. Welch recently admitted that the intro was recorded on a tour bus while drunk one evening, and if you could create a well placed intro to your song while drunk, you can do just about anything. Florence + the Machine’s sound has evolved from stripped down to massively big, and suits her well.

17. OneRepublic – “The Good Life”

It’s hard to believe that songs from a two year old album can still be released, but Ryan Tedder proves that they can with “The Good Life.” A lot of this album is a lament about life on the road, but turns into a wider appealing song, speaking to the life that all of us lead. The songs unique percussion could fit into any hip-hop song, but Tedder uses it in this sweet pop song. This will also go down as the song that made whistling cool in 2011.

16. The Features – “How It Starts”

The beat and bass line to this song kicks you square in the ass and sets the mood for this fantastic song. The title of the song reflects the organic nature with which the song came together more than anything else. Words again will not do this justice so just listen!

15. Cage the Elephant – “Aberdeen”

CTE’s sweetly dark “Aberdeen” paints a picture of the potential of someone ending up in really dark places. It has been suggested that the song is about Kurt Cobain, but has not been confirmed for sure. Whatever that may be, I was hoping, since this album came out that it would be made a single, and it appears that I got my wish. The music video is as much genius, as the song.

14. Das Racist – “Rainbow in the Dark”

Can you honestly go wrong with a rap song that mentions McDonalds, Saved by the Bell, and Goodfellas? I’ve also never heard a song before that evokes the feeling of the Rainbow Road level in Marko Kart 64. If you want the full experience of this song, go into a dark room, put some headphones on, and just press play. Have fun.

13. Dum Dum Girls – “Coming Down”

Another night time song, the melody and instrumentation do a good job of that, and the lyrics evoke the emotion of a relationship ending, and in particularly, an abusive one. This is a long song that never feels it, the entrancing melody makes it feel like that last pages of a book you don’t want to finish. This is some of the best jangle pop/indie rock I’ve heard in years.

12. TV on the Radio – “Will Do”

TV on the Radio makes love sound cool. On this joint, TV on the Radio bring you plea, the plea of a man looking to keep this woman in his life. The first lyrics, “it might be impractical to seek out a new romance;” honestly, who says that? Smart love songs are rare, and TV on the Radio took a more appealing approach. They sound like they should be a rap group, but they bridge the gap between pop and would be rap. Whatever it is, TV on the Radio is a band that you should be listening to.

11. Around the World and Back – “Slave”

Like our last band, having two vocalists add a lot of depth to your music; Bryan Shortell and Marco Testa recognize this and use it in stunning ways. The sound here is big, and evokes that early U2 side, but ATWAB blow U2 out of the water. They make this sound there own. Most signed bands don’t make songs this good, and these guys do it with that big name band flair. Stop reading now, and just watch the video, I won’t do it justice by any means.

10. Tie: Fleet Foxes – “Helplessness Blues”

The music video for “Helplessness Blues” looks like the beginning to a Michelin Tire or insurance commercial, but this years most anticipated album has bred some great songs. Fleet Foxes show us how there is nothing wrong in serving a greater purpose. The lyrics suggest enlisting in the army, but could be something even bigger. When you listen to this you will know why Fleet Foxes are the greatest folk band out there today.

10. Tie: Dawes – “Time Spent in Los Angeles”

It’s not often you find a band willing to write love letters to Los Angeles, but Dawes attempts to do that here. In the 70’s style, Dawes show you how you shouldn’t be shy with your Hammond B-3 organ, or with your love for places, and the people in them. If Dawes were really Hotel California, I’d never want to leave.

9. Lana Del Rey – “Video Games”

This is a sad, sad song. If it makes her cry it should make most of you cry as well. But this kind of music is rare in my opinion. At least in the states. It hearkens back to the 50’s and 60’s style of orchestrated performance. From the days of Nancy Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and  Dusty Springfield, Lana Del Rey steps right out of them. The relationship described in this song isn’t what you would call healthy, but makes for stunning music.

8. Brad Paisley – “This Is Country Music”

Brad Paisley attempts to tell us what country music is all about in this touching tune, and he pulls it off in a big way. Paisley talks about all the places country music goes where most fear to tread in other types of music, including cancer, Jesus, and Americana. This is also the only song I know that ends with a country music historical playlist. One of Paisley’s best for sure.

7. Foster the People – “Pumped Up Kicks”

Twenty years after Pearl Jam brought us “Jeremy,” Foster the People brings us the smash hit “Pumped Up Kicks.” This Columbine like song has the happiest melody with the most downtrodden lyrics you’ve ever heard. The targets of this kid are conceivably the “popular” kids with their “pumped up kicks.” I think the strangest thing is this sounds like a beach song, but whatever it is, after listening to it, its no surprise that this video has 48 million plus views on YouTube.

6. Lupe Fiasco featuring Skylar Grey – “Words I Never Said”

Lupe Fiasco is one of those unique rappers, with such a social conscious that you can’t ignore him, no matter how hard you’d want to. This song is an occupy movement on its on, long before the occupy movement itself. The central message being, that while all these events may be devastating, its the fact that nobody says anything or does anything about them that hurts the most. Skylar Grey’s smooth delivery adds an appealing element to it, making it the perfect seasoning for a song that will stay with you for a long time.

5. Paul Simon – “The Afterlife”

What if there were bureaucracy in Heaven? Well Paul Simon explores the subject in this delightfully catchy and wonderful tune, certainly one of Simon’s best in years. In all, it’s an exploration of life’s end, brought to you in a delightfully catchy and witty way. For 70 years old, Simon is writing better music that anyone younger than him.

4. Young the Giant – “Cough Syrup”

There is no quick fixes for life, and in a stroke of brilliance, that is what YTG explore on “Cough Syrup.” The intro and guitar melody gives the listener that feel of someone drowning. This song also seems short, while still being over four minutes long, a testament to it’s subject no doubt. While not intentional, this band has a way of making itself your cough syrup; this song is amazing, their album is amazing, get your hands on it!

3. Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit – “Tour of Duty”

The soldier is something special in our culture, and Isbell and the crew pay tribute to them. This is the tale of an ordinary man coming back from war and moving on with his life. He embraces the things that he left behind when he went to war, the simple things that we take for granted, but comes back a humbler man. The simple country tone makes it relevant for every solider that comes back from war. It will give you goose bumps and bring tears to your eyes.

2. The Black Keys – “Little Black Submarines”

The acoustic/electric explosion that is “Little Black Submarines” is the best track from the Key’s latest El Camino. Broken hearts seem to be big business in music, but who the hell cares when it sounds this good. When you’re so far disconnected with yourself, especially in your head, it makes you feel, at least according to TBK, like you’re on a “little black submarine.” The common theme of all of this is, wherever The Black Keys go, you know it’s going to rock and it’s going to be awesome.

1. Adele – “Rolling in the Deep”

You had to know that “Rolling in the Deep was going here. Easily this years “Need You Now,” only far less annoying and with a better beat.  This song also wins the award for most sinister piano in a song; how can you not like this song, most people have felt heartbreak on this level. What’s nice about this music, is that it voices feelings of the common man with hearts on fire, and damaged from the assholes we manage to go out with. It’s also fun because of all the plates being destroyed in the video. Adele is a jewel, enough so that the rock and roll hall of fame is in the future, it may be far away, but it will happen.