2011 is almost over and this is SuperCool-Guy’s “Best of 2011”: the songs that I have enjoyed the most during this past year.

I have compiled a playlist of the music videos, which you can watch at the bottom of this blog post or on my YouTube channel.  You can also click each song title below to go straight to that video… Enjoy!

The top songs of 2011 are…

 

No.12: “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO feat. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock

SuperCool-Guy doesn’t approve of profanity, even acronymed, but there is no denying that the hook is catchy and the video very funny. Future generations may look back on it as a culturally and historically significant milestone in the decline of Western civilization…

Bit of trivia: the two hairy dudes in the band are son and grand-son of Motown founder Berry Gordy.

 

No.11: “Jealousy” by Will Young

Will Young returns in high form, with characteristically beautiful voice and melody, nicely contrasting with the stronger, more dancy beat.   Written by Will Young and Kish Mauve, produced by Richard X.

 

No.10: “Good Girl” by Alexis Jordan

Musically, it’s the unexpected chord changes during the chorus that make the song for me.  Visually, it’s Alexis’ eyes and smile when she looks you in the eyes, all demure, and says “but I’ve been bad before!” – she’s such a tease!!!  Very cute.  I know you’re a good girl Alexis, now show me the bad girl! ;-)

 

No.9: “Girl Panic!” by Duran Duran

Great song title (wouldn’t be the same without the pop-art exclamation point), great hook, the unmistakable Duran Duran sound, and a great video concept by Jonas Akerlund.  The pop icons of the 80s meet their match in the fashion icons of the 80s.  Five great reasons to watch: Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen, Cindy Crawford, Eva Herzigova, Yasmin LeBon.

 

No.8: “On the Floor” by Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull

The hook for “On the Floor” originally comes from 1981’s “Llorando se fue” by Bolivian folk band Los Kjarkas, and was subsequently used by several artists over the years, most famously by French/Brazilian group Kaoma for their 1989 hit “Lambada” (click the links for the music videos).  The 2011 version, produced by RedOne, is a great update for the dance floor.

 

No.7: “Don’t Sit Down Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair” by Arctic Monkeys

I was never a huge fan of the Arctic Monkeys but this is one of the strongest guitar riffs ever.  Hugely powerful and catchy.  An instant classic!

 

No.6: “Me & You” by Nero

This is basically heavy metal with synths instead of guitars – in spirit, I find it reminiscent of Daft Punk’s “Robot Rock” – and I can’t wait for someone now to do a proper heavy metal version of it.

 

No.5: “Walk” by Foo Fighters

A prime example of The Foos’ winning formula, with their trademark combination of aggression, drive and melody.  Dave Groh’s his usual goofball.  The video is a funny take on “Falling Down” (Michael Douglas, 1992: great movie if you haven’t seen it) with a satisfying ending.

 

No.4: “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” by Katy Perry

If record sales go down, Katy Perry’s got another career lined up as a comedian.  Brilliant video, great song, great chorus, co-written by Perry, Lukasz Gottwald, Max Martin and Bonnie McKee.

Bit of trivia: Uncle Kenny didn’t actually play on the record – Lenny Pickett did!

 

No.3: “What the Hell” by Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne is hot!!!  Great, fun video featuring Avril as the good girl gone bad.  Great song, fun lyrics, amazingly catchy chorus, co-written by Lavigne, Shellback and… once again, the genial Max Martin!

 

No.2: “Super Bass” by Nicki Minaj

Amazing song, amazing video, it’s funny, sexy, sugary-sweet, and catchy as hell… Nicki Minaj is a mad woman and a true original.  Underneath the street slang, sexuality, swagger and huge beats, the intention is heartfelt and sweet.  A very unique and successful blend of rap and pop.  Musically, the minor chords underneath the “boom-badoom-boom-boom” hook are genius.

 

… and the no.1 top song of 2011 is…

[drum roll]

… well, I just couldn’t make up my mind, so it’s a tie:

 

No.1 (tie): “Happiness” by Alexis Jordan

With two songs in my top 12, Alexis Jordan is my girl of 2011.  Technically, the song came out in 2010, but a) it was a hit throughout 2011 and probably the one song I will always associate with this past year… and b) it’s my blog and I can do whatever I want!

There is a freshness and innocence to Alexis Jordan, and to this song and video in particular, that you don’t see/hear very often these days, and that I really love.

The humming hook is incredibly catchy.  The chorus is uplifting and climaxes to a level of sonic bliss – “happiness” – that fits the lyrics perfectly.

The song was written by Stargate, Deadmau5, Autumn Rowe, Petr Brdicko, and produced by Stargate.  The video is sweet, positive and slick.  It’s one of these rare pop gems where everything just comes together perfectly.

 

No.1 (tie): “Whatever You Do” by SuperCool-Guy

Well, what can I say about “Whatever You Do”?  It’s the best song of 2011 that you’ve never heard of!  Check it out!