Ryan's Top 10 For 2.25.08


One week after starting a Top 3 countdown of what I believe to be the best of mainstream pop, country and/or R&B radio, I realized I could never contain myself to only three.


So, starting with this Monday, welcome to Ryan's Top 10, an arbitrary organization of my favorite songs of the week. There is nothing in-depth about this list, nor is it a reflection of my tastes as a musician or a songwriter.


If a tune makes this list, it means I turn it up in the car.


No. 10: Graham Colton, "Best Days"

Not so sure I'm sold on the song, and I do believe I will hate it in exactly two weeks. However, Graham is from Oklahoma City, and I'm all about supporting Oklahoma musicians.



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No. 9: James Morrison, "Wonderful World"

Still no play on mainstream American radio. Argh.



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No. 8: Linkin Park, "Shadow Of The Day"

A woman was sentenced to two years in prison last week for stalking lead singer Chester Bennington, which has me wondering. What kind of rock-n-roll name is CHESTER BENNINGTON!?


Nevertheless, this is still a terrific song.



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No. 7: Jordin Sparks w/Chris Brown, "No Air"

I wonder how much of this song's chart strength so far has come from Idol fans because I've yet to hear it on the radio.



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No. 6: Ray J w/Yung Berg, "Sexy Can I"

OK, I admit it. This is catchy. Dangit.



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No. 5: Sean Kingston, "Take You There"

I've about had it with any singer using a Jamaican accent, whether he or she is Jamaican-mon or not. It's terrible. However, this song has an 80s groove and a very catchy chorus, and I'll give credit where credit is due. The lyrics aren't half bad in spots, but I suspect that is strictly a product of low, low expectations.



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No. 4: Lifehouse, "First Time"

Ever since hitting it big with the biggest hit of 2001, "Hanging By A Moment," Lifehouse has been one of my favorite adult contemporary bands. They are so competent when it comes to songwriting and production. They're like Hamburger Helper, nothing fancy but always consistent and hearty.



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No. 3: Maroon 5, "Wake Up Call"

This is one of America's best bands, and the funkiest white band since Jamiroquai. Great song. Great lyrics. I love violent lyrics.



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No. 2: Billy Ray Cyrus w/Miley Cyrus, "Ready, Get Set, Don't Go"

First, I'm not being creepy. This has one of the strongest hooks of any pop song over the past couple of years. Miley's voice is actually pretty solid, although I really despise the primary lyric, that "Get Ready, Get Set ... Please Don't Go."


However, no lie. The music hook is so good I can't get away from it. Furthermore, the vocal production is tight Americana goodness. OK, perhaps utilizing the word "tight" within 10 feet of the name "Miley Cyrus" warrants a restraining order.


Nevertheless, embarrassingly good tune.



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No. 1: Rascal Flatts, "Winner At A Losing Game"

I mentioned last week how much this song reminded me of The Eagles. However, the sound and vibe really take me back to the early 1980s, which I think is one of the best eras for music ever. It reminds me of Poco, of solo Glenn Frey.


Alas, I spent years hating Rascal Flatts' sound but secretly liking their songs, particularly "What Hurts The Most" and "These Days." However, this song literally makes me want to champion everything they do. By a mile, this is the best current pop hit on the charts this week.



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