The Top 10 Songs of 2019

Have we done the review of my favorite songs from last year yet? No? Right, here we go...

10. All the Way Blue, by The Ocean Blue

Long one of Ashley's favorite bands, we finally got to see The Ocean Blue in concert in November last year in Chicago, in support of their new album. This track opened their set, and I enjoy its vibe.

9. I Dare You, by The Regrettes

This was one I stumbled across on iTunes, and almost immediately dug its catchy tune. I particularly like when the music becomes sparse toward the end, and the lead singer coos the chorus, slowly rising into a rousing finish.

8. RITMO (Bad Boys For Life), by Black Eyed Peas & J, Balvin

So, this one's a bit of a cheat, as I never actually heard it until early 2020, when it was featured in the movie Bad Boys For Life. The sample of Corona's Rhythm of the Night caught my ear, and that bit of nostalgia, coupled with the memory of simply being at a movie theater, means it makes the cut (since it's a 2019 song).

7. Unbearably White, by Vampire Weekend

I've quite liked Vampire Weekend since their debut in 2008, and 2019 saw them drop their first new album in six years. There are a ton of good tracks to choose from, but this is one of the best. Plus, I am reminded of their momentous concert in St. Louis on June 12th last year. That just happens to be the night the St. Louis Blues hockey team won the coveted Stanley Cup championship, for the first time in their 50-plus year existence. The crowd at the concert was excited, and the atmosphere was electric. When lead singer Ezra Koenig sang the lyrics, "There's an avalanche coming, don't cover your eyes. It's what you thought that you wanted, it's still a surprise," the audience roared so much that it drowned him out. What a night.

6. Give Stupidity a Chance, by Pet Shop Boys

I'm not typically a fan of mixing politics with music, but, if there's a group that can manage to make me like it, it's the Pet Shop Boys. This song, from their 2019 EP Agenda, is on the nose about a particular world leader who shall not be named. This song makes me both chuckle and weep.

5. Doin' Time, by Lana Del Rey

I love Lana Del Rey, and I love her cool, laid back cover of this Sublime song.

4. Crave, by Madonna & Swae Lee

Again, this is another song where I like its vibe more than anything else. It's got a good tune. Alas, I have to agree with Ashley when he said, upon listening to this, "I wish Madonna would just sing a damn song again."  Still, I like this one.

3. Married in a Gold Rush, by Vampire Weekend feat. Danielle Haim

It's my favorite American band doing their own version of a country duet, and it's exquisite. The song has a beat, but is so gentle and beautiful. Wonderful harmony between Koenig and Haim.

2. Take You Home, by Dido

Dido has long been a favorite artist of mine, and her latest album is pretty solid, with this track being the standout favorite. It's sad, it's longing, it's lush, it's elegiac, it's got a hooky repetitive background. I just love it.

1. Blue as the Ocean, by The Cactus Blossoms

Featured on The Cactus Blossoms' latest album, this song wasn't one that stood out to me, that is until I heard it at their concert at a small, dimly-lit venue in St. Louis in October 2019. There I was, seated between two of my favorite people in the world, with the two brothers and their band going through their repertoire, and this song was performed. It's so sad, so blue, and I've been into it ever since.

And, that's it. 2019 wasn't a bad year for music. It wasn't stellar, either, but not bad. I liked all of these songs, plus some others.

And, yes, I will get around to completing my 'Best of the Decade' countdown at some point.