J.Me's Top 40 Songs of 2014.

40.  Mary J. Blige  "Therapy"

39.  Sara Evans  "Slow Me Down" - One of the best country songs released this year.  Sara is consistent with quality output and this ballad is no exception.  Why she is consistently ignored by award shows in puzzling.

38.  Lady Antebellum "Bartender" - Cute, fun, and exactly the type of song I like to hear from Lady A.

37.  Little Mix "Move"

36.  Kylie Minogue "Into The Blue" - While her KISS ME ONCE era was an overall let down, Kylie sparkled with this track, showcasing her signature brand of dance pop.

35.  Keith Urban "Cop Car"

34.  Beyoncé "XO" - I don't hate Beyoncé, but she does irritate and annoy me at times.  Mainly when she's doing her R&B Diva thing, but when she slows it down and goes for substance over style, as she did on "XO" and "Pretty Hurts" from her surprise release, BEYONCÉ, she catches my ear and makes me dislike her a little less.

33.  Neon Trees "Sleeping With A Friend"

32.  Luke Bryan "Play It Again"

31.  Lorde "Team" - Follow up to the massively popular "Royals", to me, was a much better song and had a catchy hook and beat that made me a bigger fan of the teenage Debbie Downer.

30.  Lea Michelle "Cannonball"

29.  Hozier "Take Me To Church" - This gothic anthem was an unlikely, but welcomed, radio hit that ended up with a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year.

28.  Little Big Town "Day Drinkin'"

27.  Hunter Hayes "Invisible"

26.  Jennifer Lopez "First Love" - The second single from J.Lo's A.K.A. album was such a relief to hear after the awful lead single, "I Luh You Papi".  Lopez hasn't sounded this relaxed and fun since "Waiting For Tonight".

25.  Iggy Azalea "Fancy" (feat. Charli XCX)

24.  Vance Joy "Riptide"

23.  Anastacia "Evolution" - From her criminally underrated RESURRECTION album. Anastasia released her first album of original material in 5 years after a second battle with breast cancer.  The album was filled with "I Will Survive" type anthems and this track stood out as centerpiece and anchor of the project.

22.  Trisha Yearwood "PrizeFighter" (feat. Kelly Clarkson)

21.  Cheryl Cole "Crazy Stupid Love"

20.  HAIM "If I Could Change Your Mind" - Not since Hanson has a trio of siblings with long unwashed hair created garage band pop music as catchy and enthralling as this shimmering slice of disco-esque heaven.

19.  Charlie XCX "Boom Clap" - Sometimes a song just needs to be fun and frivolous and this song fits the bill.

18.  Betty Who "Somebody Loves You"  - Another gem that seemed poised to be bigger than it ended up (mostly due to a viral Gay Marriage proposal flash mob video filmed at the Home Depot). Still, the song is addictive and a refreshing change of pace from the pop laced EDM tracks saturating the airwaves.

17.  Echosmith "Cool Kids" The slow burner song of the year, "Cool Kids" hit the Top 40 nearly a year after its initial release in 2013, proving that a good song will almost always find an audience.

16.  Cher Lloyd "Bind Your Love"  From her second full length, SORRY, I'M LATE, "Bind Your Love" should have been the lead single rather than the dull "I Wish" and relaunch single, "Sirens".  This galloping pop song is just the type that could've propelled Lloyd to stardom in the U.S.

15.  Carrie Underwood "Something In The Water"  Carrie stuns on this inspirational anthem that served as the lead single from the best selling American Idol winner's GREATEST HITS set.

14.  Kiesza "Hideaway" - Bringing 90s house realness back, Kiesza is one to watch in the new year. I feel she's only getting started and is destined to blow up bigger.

13.  Coldplay "A Sky Full Of Stars"  Chris Martin & Co. surprised me with this glorious, sweeping, dance track that puts a smile on my face every time I hear it.

12.  Alex & Sierra "Scarecrow" - I seriously don't know why this wasn't played to over saturation during the summer.  The X-Factor '13 winners created a perfect pop song that should have made them household names by the end of the year.

11.  Madonna "Rebel Heart" (Demo Version) - This leaked track caused many die hard Madonna fans to stand up and cheer when the demo version leaked in November.  We applauded Madge's decision to not chase a trend and to create a song the hearkens back to her classic pop days, while still sounding fresh and innovative.  The Queen Of Pop is preparing an epic return in 2015 and if this track and the 6 officially released songs from the upcoming album, REBEL HEART, are any indication, she will absolutely slay.

10.  Taylor Swift "Shake It Off" - Going completely pop after 2012's RED, Ms. Swift returned and silenced many with the lead single and a million plus selling album. 1989, becoming the new poster girl for unabashedly (not so) guilty pleasure pop music lovers.

9.   Colbie Caillat "Try" - This uplifting ode to beauty and Colbie's makeup free appearance in the video completely stunned the music industry and proved that sex, makeup, and a flashy image don't always make the pop star. But true talent and quality writing will.

8.   Iggy Azalea "Black Widow" (feat. Rita Ora) - Honestly, I don't know why I love this song as much as I do, but I simply couldn't get enough of it. The sly trap beats and Iggy's rapping carry this tune to above average hip pop status.

7.  Christina Perri "Human" Upon first listen of this song I fell in love with it.  The grandiose verses that lead up to a chorus that comes crashing back down almost always choke me up inside.

6.  Katy Perry "Dark Horse" (feat Juicy J.) - I admit it, I absolutely hated this song when Katy's PRISM album was released in fall of 2013.   Cut to me absolutely loving it by the time it was released as the album's third single. I think I developed an affinity to trap music that leans more towards the pop side of the spectrum.

5.  Ariana Grande "Break Free" (feat. Zedd) - Make no mistake, I am not a fan of Ms. Grande at any level, but I do enjoy this song and really think that even if it were Miley Cyrus (another one of my most loathed pop stars) singing it, I would still play this EDM anthem on repeat.

4.  Sam Smith "Stay With Me" - Call it the Adele effect, but the U.K.'s Sam Smith absolutely surpassed everyone's expectations with his debut album, IN THE LONELY HOUR, nabbing well deserved Grammy nominations in the each of BIG FOUR categories (Best New Artist, Album, Song, and Record of the Year).   This gorgeous ballad became this year's "Someone Like You" and brought listeners to tears.

3.  Sia "Chandelier" - Probably one of the unlikeliest hits of the year, as its melancholic introspective theme about partying and drinking in excess, belies the typical pro-partying and drinking that radio usually gravitates to.  Sia's impressive vocals elevates this song to heart wrenching proportions.

2.  Clean Bandit "Rather Be" (feat Jess Glynne) - Bouncy, synthy, and percolating with charm, "Rather Be" is a song that shines and makes the airwaves a better place with each repeated play.

1.   Taylor Swift - Haters are gonna hate, but Taylor's foray into pop music was just the injection the music industry needed. "Blank Space" and its accompanying video showed that Taylor is in on the jokes about her personal life by turning them into a self deprecating song that played on her multiple romances and dating life.  Whether or not she'll ever return to her country roots remains unseen, but as long as she comes up with songs like this and the rest of the 1989 album, I am all for her remaining a pop artist.

40 Songs I've 👍 in 2013

40.  Carrie Underwood "See You Again" - Nobody does a mainstream country ballad like Carrie does and this is no exception.

39.  Karmin "Acapella"

38.  The Lumineers "Hey Ho"

37.  OneRepublic "Countng Stars" - The sleeper hit of 2013, 27 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and this song is currently entrenched in the top three.  Ryan Tedder & Co. seem to always manage at last one massive hit from their albums and this one keeps the tradition alive following DREAMING OUT LOUD's "Apologize" and WAKING UP's "Good Life".

36.  Kelly Clarkson "Underneath the Tree" - Expect this to achieve "All I Want For Christmas Is You" like status in future holiday seasons. A modern classic.

35.  Lorde "Royals" - I would place this higher but I grew sick of it fairly soon and still don't think it warranted 9 weeks at #1 on the Hot 100.

34.  Maroon 5 "Love Somebody"

33.  Avicii  "Wake Me Up" (feat. Aloe Bacc)

32.  P!nk "Just Give Me A Reason" (feat. Nate Ruess)

31.  Ellie Goulding "Burn" - This rapid fire electro-pop tune is more suited to Ellie's vocal style than Leona Lewis' who originally recorded then discarded it for her third album.

30.  Céline Dion "Loved Me Back To Life"

29.  Of Monsters & Men "Little Talks"  This was originally released in 2011 but somehow escaped my ears and I only discovered it this year so it warrants a spot due to its catchy and sprightly melody and chorus.

28.  Lady Antebellum "Downtown"

27.  HAIM "The Wire" An artist to watch in 2014.  This rocks and rolls with a sweet indie disposition that you can't help to bob your head along.

26.  John Newman "Love Me Again" The U.K.'s male answer to Adele. A powerful voice, a throwback sound and heartfelt songs and lyrics. He'll do until Adele makes her return.

25.  Little Mix "Wings"

24.  Carrie Underwood "Two Black Cadillacs" A good ol' fashioned southern gothic cheating tale rolled into a haunting beautiful ballad. The gorgeously filmed video was a cross between "Before He Cheats" Carrie and & Stephen King's "Christine".

23.  A Great Big World "Say Something" (feat. Christina Aguilera) - This made Christina Aguilera the best musical accessory as she's had more hits in the last 2 years as featured artist (with Maroon5, Pitbull, and now & A Great Big World) than as a solo act with her last 2 albums. A lovely piano ballad that proves that with Ms. Aguilera, less is more.

22.  OneDirection "Best Song Ever"

21. Icona Pop "I Love It" (feat. Charli XCX) - Inescapable for pretty much three quarters of the year.  

20.  Lady Antebellum "Compass" - Lady A shed the mood and gloom that hung over their last two albums and unleashed two hit worthy songs in the sassy "Downtown" and this uplifting banjo laden ditty.

19.  Tegan & Sara "Closer" - The should've been a bigger hit song on the year. Even "Glee" did a cover version. I guess getting used to twin lesbian sisters will take some time for mainstream America.

18.  Miley Cyrus "Wrecking Ball"  Hate Miley, love this song. 

17. Lady Gaga "Do What U Want" (feat. R. Kelly) - The only thing remotely radio friendly on the awful ARTPOP album.  She should be ashamed of herself for putting out such dreck and expecting people to listen and like it.

16.  Rebecca Ferguson "I Hope" - I hope that Columbia/SyCo give this talented woman another chance and release her excellent second album, FREEDOM, in United States.  Would be a shame to see such a talent go unnoticed.

15.  Katy Perry "Roar" - Upon first listen I hated this, because her pre-release promos were hinting at a darker deeper Katy, which "Roar" disproved.  After getting over my initial disappointment I realized this is just Katy being Katy and doing a "purr-fect" pop song. 

14.  Passenger "Let Her Go" -  I'm not a big fan of male singers, but every once in a while one will catch my ear and hook me.  This is one of them, but it helps that I'm reminded of female artist, Tracy Chapman when I hear this.

13.  Emeli Sandé "My Kind Of Love" - Her "Next To Me" was the breakout song from her album, OUR VERSION OF EVENTS, but this is the track that made me a fan. 

12.  Sara Bareilles "Brave" - This only really became a hit after allegations that Katy Perry's "Roar" borrowed the piano intro.  Undoubtedly similar in structure, "Brave" is meatier and just a shade better than "Roar".

11.  Ke$ha "C'mon" - If only for the autotuned Ke$ha "power note" she unleashes at 2:55 in the song this song earns a spot on my list. 

10.  Justin Timberlake "Mirrors" - I never thought I'd see the day I'd put a JT song on my year end list. But here it is, and I'm going on record to say that this is the single best thing he's done since *NSYNC.  Never mind it has the same annoying Timbaland sound effects as 2002's "Cry Me River" (and every other Timabaland produced hit).  

9.  Phillip Phillips - "Gone, Gone, Gone" - 2012's American Idol winner makes good on his first "official" post Idol single. Strumming and galloping along at an easy-breezy pace, this was captivating and hinted at success for his future career.  Will he live up to the potential? That's yet to be seen as subsequent singles haven't caught on as well.

8.  Zedd "Clarity" feat. Foxes - This is commercial EDM at it's finest. This reminded me of the 90s when dance music was frivolent and carefree. 

7.  Kacey Musgraves "Follow Your Arrow" - A celebration for individualism and in part, the gay & lesbian lifestyle.  Not such a big deal as Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' (see next entry) was as well, right? Well, when you're a country music artist and sing "...kiss lots of boys. Or kiss lots of girls. If that's something you're into..." you risk of alienating the core conservative fan base. Kudos to Kacey for sticking by her guns and releasing this to critical acclaim.  She's my pick for the Best New Artist Grammy.

6.  Macklemore & Ryan Lewis "Same Love" (feat. Mary Lambert) - This politically correct song championing gay & lesbian rights became the unexpected Pride anthem of the year.  Macklemore's rap and Mary Lambert's sweet vocals (on the chorus) paint a picture of a world without intolerance and hate. My Grammy pick for "Song of the Year".

5.  P!nk "Try" - "Try" was a top ten hit that fits right in alongside some of her greatest slower songs like "Perfect" and "Glitter in the Air". Her live "The Truth About Love" show is spectacular and "Try" was one of many parts where she performed it whilst hoisted in the air, spinning, and flying above the audience. 

4.  Capital Cities "Safe And Sound" - A fantastic pop song that entered the airwaves and left them a better and happier place after its departure.  Will Capital Cities go the way of Owl City whose charming "Fireflies" did the same in 2009 and become a one hit wonder act or is there more to be discovered?

3.  Kelly Clarkson "People Like Us" - The original IDOL should have scored another number one single with this rip roaring anthem that she blows through with her trademark ferocity and vocal prowess but radio didn't latch on to it as they should've.  Shame, because no one can match Kelly for sheer talent and brilliance on record or live. 

2.  Taylor Swift "22" - While most of Taylor's songs have been about an "ex" (she seems to have a lot of them, but I don't care), this was simply an ode to pals hanging out (dressed up like 'hipsters', natch) and having fun.  "22" was a standout track for me when I first heard RED and the Diet Coke ads featuring it endeared me to the song even more. 

1. Demi Lovato "Heart Attack" - She had my second favorite song ("Give Your Heart A Break) of 2012 and this year she manages to grab #1 with this unabashedly pop track that dabbles in dance without heavily relying on the requisite dubstep breakdown that permeates most of the EDM influenced pop these days. Demi's vocals are full, assured, and impressive and hint at a maturity previously untapped. I look forward to what she comes up with next. 

20+12 = My 32 favorite songs of 2012.

32.  Madonna "Girl Gone Wild" - First single ("Give Me All Your Luvin'") from "MDNA" should have never been released as a single but helped Madonna pad her lead on the Billboard Hot 100 with the most top ten singles (38) thanks to her record breaking SuperBowl performance. The album's third single, "Turn Up the Radio" should have been single #1 giving this song ("Girls Gone Wild") a better chance at being a hit. Nevertheless Madonna, Guy Oseary, and/or Interscope Records have handily brought Madonna's chances at ever having another bonafide hit single to an end, as the wrong songs are picked as singles and the pre album promotion has been minimal. "Girl Gone Wild" was a catchy dance floor jam that was reminiscent of her "Vogue" and "Deeper & Deeper" days.

31.  P!nk "Try" - P!nk's first single ("Blow Me (One Last Kiss)") from her 6th studio album was a let down to me.  However this second single instantly became the highlight of the album for me and I feel will become a bigger radio hit in 2013.

30.  Adele "Skyfall" - As an Adele track this song is a bit on the lackluster side, but as a Bond Theme song, this is aces above the last few Bond themes and almost erases the dirty taste Madonna's "Die Another Day" left in our mouths. 

29. Gotye "Somebody That I Used to Know"

28.  Grace Potter & the Nocturnals "Stars" - Thank you, "The Voice" for bringing this unknown gem to the masses, when Amanda Brown performed a version of it on the live shows.  I immediately fell in love and have played it at least once a day since then.

27.  Jennifer Lopez "Dance Again" - Take away Pitbull's rap and this is almost as good as J.Lo's best single ever, "Waiting For Tonight".

26.  Karmin "Brokenhearted"

25.  Adam Lambert "Better Than I Know Myself"

24.  One Direction "What Makes You Beautiful"

23.  Norah Jones "Happy Pills" - Loving the lo-fi indie sound Norah adopted on her new album "...Little Broken Hearts".  

22.  Paloma Faith "Pickin' Up The Pieces" - An artist to watch for in 2013.  Hopefully like Adele before her, Paloma will break America and become just as played and adored.

21.  Rebecca Ferguson "Nothing's Real But Love" - Shame America did not pick up on Rebecca as she truly is one of the best things from a reality show competition ("The X-Factor" UK). Soulful, raw, and vocally stunning, this ballad is gorgeous, haunting and amazing.

20.  Kelly Clarkson "Catch My Breath"

19.  Kylie Minogue "Timebomb" - Admittedly, it took my a few listens to warm up to this, but once I did there was no going back. One of the slyest catchiest tunes of 2012.

18.  Owl City with Carly Rae Jepsen "Good Time"

17.  Little Big Town "Pontoon" - It's great seeing this underrated band finally get their acclaim.  Always consistent in the quality of their output, this song was a summer time staple and launched Little Big Town into the big leagues of country music. 

16.  One Direction "Live While We're Young" Yes, boyband fever struck the US again.  Yes, I was suckered into it. And, yes, I have no shame.  This guilty pleasure song was all about the sing along chorus and playful video.

15.  Florence + the Machine "Spectrum" - The song that cemented my love for all things Florence. 

14.  Keane - "Sovereign Light Café"

13. David Guetta feat. Sia "Titanium" - I'm not a Guetta fan by any means, as I think he is dance music for frat boys and sorority girls, but this song was elevated to a higher level due to Sia's powerful vocals.

12.  Imagine Dragons "It's Time"

11.  Train "Drive By"

10.  Carrie Underwood "Blown Away" - Carrie's talents really shine through on the title track of her 4th album. This epic anthem was unlike anything on the radio (country or pop) and deserved to be a #1 hit, but stalled out at #2.

9.  Hunter Hayes "Wanted" - Carrie's opening act broke through in 2012 in a big way with his first #1 hit and a Best New Artist Grammy nomination.  This plaintive ballad showcased his songwriting and piano playing skills.  I expect him to take the Grammy home.

8.  Maroon 5 "Payphone" - I prefer the non-rap version that plays on Adult Contemporary radio as it incorporates a great Adam Levine ad libbing section in its place. I still don't understand how this only made it to #2 but the horrible follow up "One More Night" spent 9 weeks at #1.

7.  Katy Perry "Wide Awake" - Closing out the "Teenage Dream" chapter of her career, Katy released this reflective song and left her fans salivating for her next step in what has proven to be an illustrious career. (Let's face it, if you own "Teenage Dream" you already have a version of the inevitable "Greatest Hits" package that's bound to come out eventually.)

6.  Taylor Swift "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" - Say what you will about her dating habits and the trail of broken hearted men left in the dirt, but no one does a break up song quite like T. Swizzle.  This perfectly crafted pop jam is no exception and soared to #1 immediately upon release.  Parent album "RED" soon followed and spent 6 (and counting) weeks atop the Billboard 200.

5.  Anne Hathaway "I Dreamed A Dream" - Technically not a single, but Ms. Hathaway's emotional, gut wrenching performance of this in the musical movie adaptation of Broadway's "Les Misérables" have pundits screaming Oscar in the same way they did for Jennifer Hudson in "Dreamgirls" (and she had TWO big belters in that movie).  I would've placed Samantha Bark's version of "On My Own" on here too, if they hadn't omitted the first verse of the song in the movie.

4. Fun. "Some Nights" - I prefer this, their follow up to "We Are Young", as this just had a certain something to it that made it irresistible. 

3.  Carly Rae Jepsen "Call Me Maybe" - Inescapable all summer/year long. Every year we get a song that saturates all forms of media and becomes a pop culture phenomenon. Sorry, PSY, but this year it was "Call Me Maybe".  

2.  Demi Lovato "Give Your Heart A Break" - Prior to 2012 Demi Lovato was just that other Disney starlet that punched a back up dancer and got sent to rehab.  Flash forward to 2012 and she not only landed a coveted seat on "The X-Factor" but also scored a proper hit song with this little slice of pop heaven.  Whether or not her success continues into 2013 remains to be seen but we'll always have this and "Skyscraper" to reflect on.

1. Kelly Clarkson "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" - The Original Idol returned in a big way in 2012 with this rousing, hands in the air anthem.  Not only did this go on to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks, it  also topped the Hot Dance Club Songs, Adult Pop Songs, Pop Songs, and Adult Contemporary charts, making her the first artist ever to have topped the Hot 100 and each of Billboard's Dance/Club Play Songs, Country Songs, Adult Contemporary, Pop Songs, and Adult Pop Songs charts.   And the song garnered Grammy nominations for "Record of the Year" and "Song of the Year" (a songwriter's award).  Kelly capped off an amazing first ten years in the business with an amazing tour (which I saw three times in 2012) and a Greatest Hits album.

I Will Always Love You, Whitney Houston

Celebrity deaths normally don't affect me, as 1. I know I am not personally associated with the celebrity and 2. I don't view death as something sad and heartbreaking, more as the end of a cycle and a fact of life. Everyone will die eventually and "yes" I may miss passed loved ones, I just don't get overtly emotional about it. I never have, and probably never will. When Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, died in 2009, I like millions of other fans was sad that we lost an immensely talented man. I however, didn't have an emotional connection to MJ, although I will never deny the fact that he paved the way for many a pop star after him.

The news of Whitney Houston's (non?) shocking death last night however shook me to the core for reasons explainable and unexplainable. Anyone who knows me, knows that pop music is practically my reason for living and breathing. Ever since I bought my first record at the age of 12, I've had a relationship with music unlike any other relationship I've ever had in my life. Family, friends, and "love" interests have come and gone, but music has always been the one constant in my life.

Growing up gay in the '80s there were four pop stars that to this day have defined and made me who I am today. Cyndi Lauper, who showed me it's okay to be "unusual" with her candy colored outfits, sense of humor, and quirkiness; Madonna who beckoned me to "express myself" with her brash, brazen larger than life persona; Janet Jackson who taught me it was all about "control" both on and off of the dance floor; and Whitney Houston who had the "greatest" gift "of all", that VOICE.

When Whitney opened her mouth and sang, it was otherworldly. She was the first singer for my generation that had the talent and power to move people by simply standing there and singing. She wasn't a dancer by any means, but by god that VOICE was unlike anything I had ever heard in my young life. Whitney is the gold standard by which all other pop star's voices are measured. Turn on any season of "American Idol" and I guarantee you that there is a (most likely subpar) auditionee belting out "I Have Nothing", "I Will Always Love You" or "I'm Every Woman". The last two tracks weren't even Whitney originals, but she has become so associated with them, that I don't think even Dolly Parton or Chaka Khan even remember that they recorded them first, decades earlier.

Whitney was a record and trend setter, on both MTV and the Billboard charts. She (along with Michael and Janet Jackson) became the one of the first black artists whose videos were regularly played in rotation on MTV (back when the "M" stood for music). Her second album "Whitney" became the first album by a female artist to debut at #1. She is the only woman to have tallied reigns of more than 10 weeks at #1 with multiple albums. While no other woman has more than one such set, Houston has three: "The Bodyguard" (20 weeks), "Whitney Houston"(14) and "Whitney" (11). She strung together 7 consecutive #1 singles from 1985 -1988, a feat that still remains unmatched. When "I Will Always Love You" wrapped its 14-week run atop the Hot 100 in 1993, the song stood as the longest-leading title since the chart's inception in 1958. To-date, only Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men's "One Sweet Day" (16 weeks, 1995-96) has surpassed the reign (also matched by five other songs). Her success in music as well as movies ("The Bodyguard", "Waiting To Exhale" and "The Preacher's WIfe") proved she was a force in both areas, something that eluded both Cyndi Lauper and Madonna (to varying degree). Her subsequent music releases were met with critical and commercial success and she rode high on the charts until the 2000s.

We all know the rest of the story; tabloid headlines reporting of suspected drug usage ("Houston, She Has A Problem" and "Crack is Whack"), a volatile marriage and divorce to Bobby Brown, shocking appearances where her weight loss was obvious signs of substance abuse. She tried to relaunch her musical career, but it seemed to be too late. Her last studio albums, 2002's "Just Whitney" and 2009's "I Look To You" were practically ignored and after a few headline making appearances to promote them, Whitney faded back into obscurity.

I've always held out hope that she would return to reclaim her glory, but now she's gone. Whether it was substance abuse problems or natural causes that she succumbed to, the world has lost a legend, one of whose impact on music has been monumental. Whitney in her prime was classy, remarkable, and stunningly gorgeous. To see all that ravaged by drug/alcohol abuse is a nothing but a depressing cautionary tale. It's sad seeing your childhood icons fall and leave the world a such a young age. I always imagined that celebrities like Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston would just grow old and frail then die. The world would acknowledge them in a brief bow of the head and moment of silence (similar to Etta James' passing earlier this year). To see two of the biggest, most talented influences in music die before they had a chance to reform their public images is heartbreaking.

Whitney was the Queen of the Night with the VOICE of an angel. May she find the comfort and happiness she was apparently missing here on earth.

"...I thought that was enough for me. I had the money. I had the cars. I had the house. Had the husband. Had the kid. And none of it was really that fulfilling. For a time, I was happy. I was happy, but I needed that joy. I needed my joy back. I needed that peace that passes all understanding." Whitney Houston to Oprah Winfrey in 2009.

My 46 Favorite Songs of 2011.

46. Katy Perry "The One That Got Away"

45. Lady GaGa "Born This Way" Madonna "Express Yourself" comparisons aside, Lady GaGa cemented her superstar status with this ode to individuality and expression. The title track from her second full length album debuted at and became the 1000th Billboard #1 song spending 6 weeks there.

44. Jessie J "Domino" A late blooming hit that may have legs well into the beginning weeks of 2012.

43. LeAnn Rimes "Give"

42. Lady Antebellum "Just A Kiss" An attempt to make lightening strike twice, ended up being not as big as previous hit "Need You Know" but still went on to solidify the trios pop country status as hitmakers.

41. Cascada "San Francisco" A Katy Perry "California Gurls" rip off that I couldn't get enough of.

40. Sara Evans "Stronger"

39. Charice "Louder"

38. The Script "Nothing"

37. Foster The People "Pumped Up Kicks" I'm allowed one "hipster" selection and this is it.

36. Taylor Swift "Mean" My favorite track from her SPEAK NOW album was a middle finger to the meanies in a year that saw many anti-bullying anthems.

35. Jessie J. "Price Tag" (feat. B.o.B.) Whenever I hear this I still picture "The Voice's" Xenia performing it on stage in her deer in headlights expression pointing and instructing everybody to "look to the left" then "to the right".

34. Jason DeRulo "Don't Wanna Go Home" Lovin' the Robin S. "Show Me Love" sample in this.

33. Darren Hayes "Talk Talk Talk"

32. Diana Vickers "Music To Make The Boys Cry"

31. Jessie J. "Who You Are" The song that proves to me that Jessie J actually has some talent hidden underneath her spandex catsuits.

30. The Saturdays "My Heart Takes Over"

29. OneRepublic "Good Life"

28. Gloria Estefan "Wepa" (feat. Pitbull) (R3hab Remix) Although it sounds like Jennifer Lopez's "On The Floor" the Queen of Latin Pop still sounds more refreshing on this remix than Lopez does on her own "American Idol" riding comeback hit.

27. Maroon 5 "Moves Like Jagger" (feat. Christina Aguilera)

26. Nicki Minaj "Super Bass" The feel good track of the year.

25. Lady GaGa "Hair" An album track that I am dying for her to release as a single. The stripped down piano version she performed on her Thanksgiving special is one of the best things I heard all year.

24. Kimberly Caldwell "Desperate Girls & Stupid Boys"

23. Keri Hilson "Pretty Girl Rock"

22. Demi Lovato "Skyscraper"

21. Lady GaGa "The Edge Of Glory"

20. Beyoncé "The Best Thing I Never Had" This "Irreplaceable" sound alike was THE only thing that made 4 worth buying.

19. NKOTBSB "Don't Turn Out The Lights" A Boy Band Bonanza. My guilty pleasure song of the year should have been a bigger radio smash than allowed.

18. Ed Sheeran "The A-Team" One to watch for 2012. Already a Top 3 hit in the UK, this song seems to be picking up steam at U.S. radio.

17. Kelly Clarkson "Mr. Know It All" A change of pace from her anthemic lead singles, this track was a pleasant Bruno Mars-esque song that ushered in a new era of hits for the Original Idol.

16. Robyn "Call Your Girlfriend" The best video of 2011 was for this song, which was simply Robyn dancing her heart out.

15. Jennifer Hudson "Where You At" 'Tis a shame the Oscar winner's music career will never match her movie acclaim. This ballad was from a massively underrated album that never caught on with the public for some unknown reason.

14. Lady GaGa "Yoü And I" When I first heard this I thought it was nothing more than rip off of her own "Speechless" but upon further listens it slowly revealed itself as a exquisitely crafted pop song with layers of depth and emotional gravitas.

13. Colbie Caillat "Brighter Than The Sun"

12. Bruno Mars "Grenade"

11. Katy Perry "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)"

10. The Band Perry "If I Die Young" A track that made my list last year but really blew up in 2011. Country, pop, and even dance radio were all over this making The Band Perry one of 2011's biggest success stories, garnering them multiple Grammy nominations.

9. Rihanna "We Found Love" Rihanna IMHO is at her best when doing dance pop and this club ready jam was no exception.

8. Stevie Nicks "For What It's Worth" This should have been a hit song and played on radio right next to Adele's "Someone Like You".

7. Nicole Scherzinger "Don't Hold Your Breath" Say what you want about her "X-Factor" judging duties, but this gem was a #1 hit in the UK. Just goes to show that Americans wouldn't know a good pop song even if it smacked them in the face.

6. Britney Spears "I Wanna Go" Inescapable this year. Our Brit Brit returned to glory with this tune, which was undeniably the best and catchiest of the four singles from FEMME FATALE.

5. Selena Gomez & the Scene "Who Says" At one point when this first came out there was a day I listened to this at least 30 times in row. It's that good.

4. P!nk "F*ckin' Perfect" The title sums it up.

3. Katy Perry "Firework" Another song from my list last year, that I played and enjoyed well into this year. Add this song to the list of songs that I will "never tire of" hearing.

2. Adele "Rolling In The Deep" What else can be said about this song other than it was the most original, deserving to be a hit, track of the year. An artist and talent like Adele comes along once in a blue moon and her influence on the music industry will be felt for a long time coming.

1. Adele "Someone Like You" I still think the Grammys should have recognized this track as the "Song Of the Year" rather than "Rolling.." (which is rightfully nominated as the "Record of the Year"). Admit it, the first time you heard this song you had to stop what you were doing, sit down, and just listen. Adele simply stuns us with the lyrics, vocals, and emotion of this song that you can't help but feel anything but moved. In a word: Masterpiece.

20+10 = My 30 Favorite Songs of 2010

Here is my annual list of songs I've loved this year.

30. Train "Hey, Soul Sister". This song was literally, everywhere. Radio, tv commercials, country radio, dance radio (thanks to the Karmatronic mixes), and finally a cover version on "Glee". It was inescapable all year long, but thankfully it was something I didn't mind having embedded on the front lobe of my left side brain. Besides any song that name checks Madonna has to be somewhat ok. Right?

29. Charice "Pyramid" (feat. Iyaz) - Perhaps Warner Bros. should have sat on Charice's album until after her guest spot on "Glee" wraps. This soaring pop/r&b song should've propelled her into the pop stratosphere, but was released about 6 months too early.

28. The Script "Breakeven"

27. Scissor Sisters "Fire With Fire" America's disregard for this band still astounds me. This galloping anthem was one of the finest pop songs of the year.

26. Colbie Caillat "I Never Told You" (Video Mix) The extra ad-libs on the end of the Video version of this song totally make this song perfect.

25. Diana Vickers "The Boy Who Murdered Love" UK X-Factor '08 finalist, Diana Vickers struck #1 gold with her first single "Once". This follow up fizzled on the charts, but was my favorite from her album.

24. Taio Cruz "Dynamite"

23. Selena Gomez and the Scene "Naturally" My biggest guilty pleasure song of 2010.

22. Adam Lambert "If I Had You"

21. Brandon Flowers "Crossfire" The Killers frontman's solo career didn't quite catch fire as it should have, but the this song and the album, Flamingo, are great reminders of the talent that Flowers has as performer and artist.

20. Sugarland "Stuck Like Glue" Country purists may hate the reggae/rap breakdown plopped in the middle of this song, but I for one love it. What makes it even better is Jennifer Nettles' Beyoncé "Single Ladies" tribute (leotard and all) during it in the video.

19. Bruno Mars "Just The Way You Are" I admit, I didn't fall in love with this song until AFTER it was used on "Glee" but this not-overly saccharine ballad always makes me smile.

18. Nicki Minaj "Check It Out" (with will.i.am) Best example of using an 80's sample (the Buggles' "Video Killed The Radio Star") and making it work. Too bad will.i.am also had a hand in the worst use of an 80's sample (Dirty Dancing's "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life) with the Black Eyed Peas wretched "The Time (Dirty Bit)".

17. Taylor Swift "Mine" Say what you want about her live singing skills, Taylor still writes songs heads and shoulders above her pop and country peers. "You are the best thing that's ever been mine" is one of the simplest yet smartest lyrics ever written.

16. Joe McElderry "Ambitions" I don't know what it is about this song that makes me want to start a flash mob in the middle of the street. But I do.

15. Ke$ha "Tik Tok" Okay maybe this is my biggest guilty pleasure song of the year. So sue me.

14. Katy Perry "Firework" Katy can't sing this live for crap, and having it sung better by reality show contestants (Matt Cardle on the X-Factor and the Sing-Off's Backbeats) just goes to prove that a good song is a good song is a good song.

13. Rihanna "Only Girl (In The World)" Thankfully Rihanna got the dirge-fest that was "Rated R" out of her system, because she pulled out all the stops on this epic club track that returned her to the top of the charts, and once again proved she is the savior of pop music.

12. Lady Antebellum "Need You Now"

11. The Saturdays "Higher" Forget the FloRida assisted radio version and go directly to the "Headlines!" EP version for Una's fantastic wailing on the bridge.

10. Robyn "Hang With Me" Pop music's hardest working, yet still underrated, artist released three EPs of some of the finest music heard in ages. Shimmering, robototic, and heartbreaking all in one fell swoop "Hang With Me" is only one of the gems found on the "Body Talk" series.

9. Katy Perry "California Gurls" (feat. Snoop Dogg) Immediately, upon first listen of this in April, I pegged it to be the Summer of 2010 song and I was correct. Katy's answer to Jay Z and Alicia's "Empire State Of Mind" was this year's catchiest, most sung along to song.

8. The Band Perry "If I Die Young" An exquisite ballad that slowly but surely scaled it's way to the top of the country charts. The lyrics are so strong and striking, creating such haunting imagery in my mind. I think I got shivers the first time I heard it

7. P!nk "Raise You Glass" P!nk never fails to deliver and this rowdy tribute to all the "dirty little freaks" became only her third #1 in a career that should probably have more than just three.

6. Adam Lambert "Whataya Want From Me" 2009's American Idol runner up almost saw his post Idol career end before it began when his American Music Award performance of "For Your Entertainment" raised more than a few eyebrows and the backlash began to seep in. Luckily he had an ace in the hole in the form of this P!nk written track that reversed the damage and catapulted his album sales to Gold status.

5. Kylie Minogue "All The Lovers" Lead single from Kylie's 11th album, "Aphrodite' was a spellbinding, euphoric, glimmering trip through pure pop perfection.

4. Robyn "Dancing On My Own" The first single from Robyn's "Body Talk" project showcased the Swedish doll's penchant for crafting a hook, line, and (heart)sinker. If you aren't devastated by the songs lyrics I'd check for a pulse.

3. Katy Perry "Teenage Dream" Words can't describe the nostalgic feelings conjured up by this song. Katy hit it out of the park with this ode to days gone by and first crushes. Add in "Glee" then flipping the song on its head with an a cappella all-male version and it totally sent this song into my top 10 of all time.

2. Kylie Minogue "Get Outta My Way" Ms. Minogue's disco-fied dance floor filler was awash in swirly synths, pulsing beats, and a sassy chorus. Kylie knows her heart and fans belongs on the dance floor and this massively addictive track put both front and center.

1. Miranda Lambert "The House That Built Me" If I were a songwriter, this is the song I wish I had the talent to write. Striking, immediate, and poignant this song takes such an ordinary topic and creates a visual that is melancholy, wistful, and just plain beautiful. While Miranda didn't write the song, I can't picture any one else singing this as her vocals lend just the right amount of vulnerability without becoming overly sentimental. A perfect performance on a perfect song.

My Favorite Songs of 2009

Here are my top 52 songs of 2009.

52. Whitney Houston "I Didn't Know My Own Strength"

Whitney's "comeback" may have fizzled after the initial hype, but her cleaned up image and divorce from Bobby Brown showed she still had the thing that she became famous for...The Voice. Teaser single "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" was an understated self proclamation.

51. Katy Perry "Waking Up In Vegas"

50. Kristinia DeBarge "Future Love"

Her label may or may not be releasing this as the follow up to "Sabatoge". This is a pure sugary pop confection, would be a shame if they didn't.

49. Brandy "Long Distance"

48. Enrique Iglesias "Takin' Back My Love" (feat. Ciara)

47. Elliot Yamin "Fight For Love"

46. Gloriana "Wild At Heart"

45. Chrisette Michelle "Epiphany"

44. Carolina Liar "Show Me What I'm Looking For"

43. The Black Eyed Peas "Boom Boom Pow"

Not the greatest song ever written, but definitely one of the most addicting and catchy.

42. Cascada "Evacuate The Dancefloor"

Who'd have thought that euro dance act Cascada would release three albums and place a single from each album in the upper half of the Billboard Hot 100?

41. Esmee Denters - "Outta Here"

Although she's on Justin Timberlake's Tennman label, I am eagerly awaiting the first album from the YouTube discovered Norwegian singer.

40. Cheryl Cole "Fight For This Love"

39. Theo Tams "Lazy Lovers"

Current and possibly final Canadian Idol winner's first single is a beautiful ode to budding and thriving relationships.

38. Melinda Doolittle "It's Your Love"

37. Pixie Lott "Boys & Girls"

A Duffy-like import, that's just as fun as "Mercy".

36. Kings Of Leon "Use Somebody"

Thank you, "X-Factor" almost ran, Ethan Boroian, for turning me onto this incredible song. 'Tis a shame Cheryl cut you, instead of Rikki Loney.

35. Kellie Pickler "The Best Days Of Your Life"

34. Taylor Swift "Love Story"

33. The Black Eyed Peas "Meet Me Halfway"

Should have been the Peas third Number One in a row, but alas America does not enjoy a perfectly constructed pop song.

32. Keith Urban "Kiss A Girl"

31. Girls Aloud "Untouchable"

The song that broke GA record breaking run of 20 consecutive UK Top 10 hits. Another shame, as this is a brilliant song.

30. Sugababes "About A Girl"

29. Lady Antebellum "Need You Now"

Country music's hottest new group preview their upcoming sophomore release with a haunting, beautiful track.

28. Lady GaGa "Poker Face"

This year's most overexposed pop star, is also the year's craftiest. Hit after hit, Gaga ruled practically every media outlet possible in questionably fashionable flair.

27. Miley Cyrus "Party In The U.S.A."

The guiltiest pleasure of the year.

26. Carrie Underwood "Cowboy Cassanova"

25. Sugarland "Keep You"

Raw, emotional, and soul baring. Jennifer Nettles lays it all on the line in this stripped down, heart wrenching song and video.

24. Cast Of "Glee" "Maybe This Time"

Leah Michelle always, always wows on "Glee". The addition of Kristen Chenoweth to this diva showdown is just the icing on the cake.

23. Martina McBride "Ride"

22. Alesha Dixon "Breathe Slow"

21. Whitney Houston "Million Dollar Bill"

20. Lady Antebellum "I Run To You"

19. Lady GaGa "Paparazzi"

18. Colbie Caillat "Fallin' For You"

17. Kris Allen "Live Like You're Dying"

16. The Saturdays "Forever Is Over"

15. Alexandra Burke "Bad Boys" (feat. Flo Rida)

The best track Leona Lewis never recorded.

14. The Black Eyed Peas "I Gotta Feelin'"

Insanely addictive. Just as all of the Peas output this year has been.

13. Leona Lewis "Happy"

12. Madonna "Celebration"

Madonna's swan song for Warner Bros. was aptly titled for a career retrospective.

11. Kelly Clarkson "Already Gone"

The comparisons to Beyoncé's "Halo" aside, Kelly delivers an exquisite song that's probably the closest she'll come to the depressing material on My December.

10. Owl City "Fireflies"

The most enchanting pop song this year. Buzz, blips, and techno swirls abound on this magically delicious track.

9. Beyoncé "Halo"

Gorgeous. I always like Beyoncé better when she is more focused on just the singing. Yes, "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" was fun, but this anthem lets Beyoncé really shine.

8. Kelly Clarkson "My Life Would Suck Without You"

A return to form for America's Original Idol.

7. Michael Bublé "Haven't Met You Yet"

A charmer of a track. Forgoing both schlock and saccharine, Bublé delivers a mature, yet youthful sounding song that's just plain fun.

6. Taylor Swift "You Belong With Me"

The Grammy nominated Record and Song of the Year became a cultural phenomenon by winning an MTV VMA (the first for a country song). Taylor had an incredible year and I expect things will keep getting better for her.

5. Lady GaGa "Bad Romance"

The first time I heard this, I was like "WTF?". After repeated listens I was hooked and chanting right along with her. Purely EPIC in proportions, this capped off Lady GaGa's amazing first year, and showed she is a force to be reckoned with, overexposure or not.

4. Alphabeat "The Spell"

Let the 90s flashbacks begin with this Black Box inspired track, that is fun and ebullient.

3. Jordin Sparks "Battlefield"

The "should've been bigger" song of the year. While it reached the Top 10, it wasn't as looming and played as the tracks from her first album. Still one of my favorites of the year.

2. Agnes "Release Me"

A straight up dance track, this is what Leona Lewis would sound like on a night at the clubs.

1. David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland "When Love Takes Over"

The best of the year. Borrowing from Coldplay's "Clocks" this track proved that Kelly is a musical force to be reckoned with in her own right. By loosenin' up and lettin' her hair down, Kelly gave Beyoncé a run for her money on the dance chart, where this ended up the Billboard Club Play song of the year.