10 in '11: Music

My look back at 2011 begins with the 10 best songs I heard this year. As in years past, that doesn't necessarily mean all 10 songs debuted in 2011; this was just the first year I heard them. To be honest, I spent a lot of time this year listening to Robyn's excellent Body Talk, but since she topped last year's list, I couldn't justify including her again. That said, these entries certainly live up to her high standards. My best musical moment of 2011 occurred the day before my 25th birthday. I was in a cab crossing the Queensborough Bridge as a techno remix of Adele's "Someone Like You" came on the radio (thanks to the driver who turned up the volume). I was very hungover and wearing the previous night's clothes (I had passed out on my friend's couch, I swear), but damn if that song, the view from that bridge, and the beautiful weather that day didn't make me love New York. 

PS: Thanks to the lovely Becca Marsh for having awesome music taste. I technically stole 1/5 of this list from her list from last year. In other words, if Becca writes a Best of 2011 series, go read that instead. 

#10. "Love You Long Time" (Jazmine Sullivan)

#9. "Something Beautiful" (Needtobreathe) 

#8. "Hollywood" (Marina & The Diamonds)

#7. "Somebody That I Used to Know" (Gotye feat. Kimbra)

#6. "What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)" (Kelly Clarkson)

#5. "Midnight City" (M83)

#4. "End of Time" (Beyoncé)

#3. "Swim Until You Can't See Land" (Frightened Rabbit)

#2. "Someone Like You" (Adele)

#1. "Young Blood" (The Naked & Famous)