By: Jacob Elyachar
This is it!
Here are the 10 songs that have made us smile, cry and even go: “Huh?” during the first quarter of 2013.
10. “I’m Not Your Hero” by Tegan & Sara
It was risky for the Canadian duo to trade their folk rock beats for a louder pop rock sound. But the risk was worth it as “I’m Not Your Hero” highlighted the duo’s harmonies and strong instrumentals that intrigued music lovers.
9. “Angel” by Eric Clapton feat. J.J. Cale
Throughout Slowhand’s 20th studio album, listeners will find Clapton’s take on some of his all-time favorite songs. “Angel” not only brilliantly highlights not only his artistry but also collaborator J.J. Cale’s vocals and guitar playing as well.
The Purple One’s “Screwdriver” features his signature sound and is one of the best songs that he released in the 2010s. (Album cover property of Purple Music)
8. “Screwdriver” by Prince
The Purple One’s latest single showed superb rifts and a great vocal that was surrounded by an awesome drum arrangement that will entice the listener to prepare for Prince’s upcoming album.
7. “That’s What the Water Made Me” by Bon Jovi
“That’s What the Water Made Me” was one of the best tracks in their 12th album. This song not only will make the listener smile, but it also showcases Bon Jovi’s outstanding signature sound from Crush and Bounce.
6. “The Phoenix” by Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy has delivered an astonishing single with “The Phoenix.” Their powerful Alternative/Punk sound that fans have known is stronger than ever and Patrick Stump’s vocals are sturdier than ever before.
Andrea Bocelli and Jennifer Lopez embrace after the duo performed their duet: “Quizas Quizas Quizas.” (Photo property of the Associated Press)
5. “Quizas, Quizas, Quizas” by Andrea Bocelli & Jennifer Lopez
Music fans were shocked when they heard opera icon Andrea Bocelli’s duet with the “On the Floor” singer. The mismatched pair’s duet on the Spanish standard intrigued listeners and showed off David Foster’s studio magic, who brilliantly arranged the song.
4. “Almost Home” by Mariah Carey
The American Idol judge’s single for Oz: The Great and Powerful was an amazing track that redeemed the global superstar after her past tracks failed to ignite the charts.
3. “Weed Instead of Roses” by Ashley Monroe
Rising country star Ashley Monroe delivered a quality country song that stayed true to the roots of Reba and Wynonna. In addition, Ashley proved that country does not need to crossover to the pop or rock world.
2. “Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake
Earlier this year, I panned this song in one of my editions of New Music Releases, due to its length. However, after listening to its very closely multiple times, I think that “Mirrors” is a strong eight-minute and six-seconds track that brilliantly fuses R&B/Hip-Hop with instrumental pop.
Eric Clapton’s “Gotta Get Over” is a great track that shows off the music legend’s signature sound and backing vocals from Chaka Khan. (Album cover by Bushbranch Records)
1. “Gotta Get Over” by Eric Clapton feat. Chaka Khan
The best collaboration has to go to Eric Clapton and Chaka Khan for their work on “Gotta Get Over” for Old Sock. The guitar god’s powerful riffs and strong vocals go well with Chaka’s superb vocal wails and will make music lovers hit the repeat button over and over again.
I do not own any of the clips that were featured in today’s article. They belong to the artists and their respective record companies.
