So over the past few years I have been neglecting my top ten lists for the year. I sat down and thought about the music that came out this year and what I had been listening too. I also looked at other top ten lists from many artist and musicians and everyone has some kind of guidelines for the list like every album that came out has to be from 2010. We used to do these lists every year for the band that I play in. I would sometimes submit a list with albums that were not from the current year and when I would see the final submission, they were moved to an “Honorable Mention” category. I figured since I am doing my own list for this year that I would do it how I want it. 2010 was a musical struggle for me. I was able to access a lot of music but nothing that really moved me. Each song or album that is one my list was able to reach and move my soul in some sort of way.
In no particular order
1. Lydia - Illuminate -“This Is Twice Now”
This song really touched me in the dull day of the end of summer. “I stole your soul. You said I’d never be able.” The lyrics embraced with a dramatic break in the Chorus really stood out. I had a chance to play with them a few years ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Vpz7nW8z_o&feature=related
2. Remedy Drive – Daylight Is Coming (Extended Edition) “Guide You Home”
A few tracks were added to the bands release that came out last year. One them was a song titled “Guide You Home.” The lyrics that broke through in each chorus were, “If your ship and your lost in the ocean, I’ll be the wind in the sails, give you motion. I will guide you home.” I had the pleasure hanging out with the guys a few years back. It was great to see a band perform with truth and passion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B1FKXM9XAA
3. Hillsong – A Beautiful Exchange - “A Beautiful Exchange”
This song originally debuted last year as a live performance for the release of the I Heart film. The harmonies in the song are great in the beginning and of course like many Hillsong songs, it has a huge epoch ending.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-bUZj1bkoE
4. Confide – Recover
There are not many metal core bands out there that I actually enjoy but this one I would have to say is my favorite. I have been a fan of these guys since I met them a few years ago however I was very let down by there final album they released before they broke up. Their original stuff sounded like Me Without you meets Underoath and now they sound like every other band out there. I chose this album because it was a great to stick in my car and blast with the windows down allowing the 808 drops to shake you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTPbwGr7bGU
5. Brooke Fraser – Flags
I have been waiting for this album for about 3 years now. I was very pleased with the sound and I can tell that she completely produced this herself. It really moved from her pop roots to being upbeat folk/rock. I had the chance to see and meet her about a month ago. It was probably one of the best live performances I have ever seen. I have never heard someone with that much raw talent. The only word I can think of to describe her music and this album is beautiful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpHUbj8NcX4
6. The Graduate – Only Every Time – “Don’t Die Digging”
I was introduced to this band a few months back by my friend/drummer Chris. He knew I would like it because of the delayed/ambient guitars mixed with the pop vocals. He was right. This is probably my favorite song of the year because of the energy. The best part about the song is open room snare hits that resound throughout its entirety.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Svf1YLFfuw
7. David Crowder Band – Awakening Passion 2010 – “Like a Lion”
This song actually has not real recording but the live one and I think it might be better that way. I love the guitar tones that they use and the lyrics declare hope. “A love so bold that we can start a revolution some how.” - “Let love explode and bring the dead to life.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmXD52oogRI
8. 30 Seconds to Mars – This is War – Kings and Queens
This band really knows how to write epoch choruses with sailing melodies. It caught my attention the first time I heard it and I would expect nothing less from this band. The overall album was not as good but they did well with this single. Despite what I have heard about him, If I were to pick any lead singer for a band I would choose Jared Leto.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTMrlHHVx8A
9. Sons and Daughters – “All the Poor and Powerless”
This band doesn’t even have an album yet but a close friend of mine told me to listen to this song last night. I fell in love with it after the first 20 seconds…and it only gets better as it goes on. I am very much anticipating this album in May 2011. “Shout it. Go on and scream it from the mountains.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fOohz7F5tA
http://sonsdaughters.bandcamp.com/track/all-the-poor-powerless
10. Hillsong – This is Our God – “With Everything”
This song is without a doubt the best Hillsong song ever written. I chose to stick this on my list this year because it is still going strong and did not make the cut last year. I really can not describe this song. Please let it speak for itself. It is slow moving at first but the end….amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9t1IONHYsQ&feature=related
