The Playlist: Best Songs of the Year 1960-2012

From Adele Calvin Harris to Ray Charles

At the end of every year I look back and think of what I thought were the best songs of the year. This past year I made my list public with my post - Top Ten: Songs O' 2012 (also check out my Top Ten: Songs O' 2011). 

I've decided to take that idea and stretch it back to 1960 and so without further ado, what I think are the best songs of the year (along with runner-ups), starting with 2012 and going backwards. Surprisingly good playlist if played in order. 

Also, if you were a fan of this list back in 2011, I have to warn you that I made some changes since then. Please criticize as such.

ADELE'S "Someone Like You" - Saddest Song Ever

Found this sketch from SNL about how no one with a heart can listen to "Someone Like You" by Adele and not cry.

You can catch Adele's original video on my Top Ten: Songs O' 2011 post. I ranked the song #2.

Top Ten: SONGS O' 2011

So the year is almost done, and I don't think any prominent acts are going to release new material so I think it's safe to release a year end countdown review of my favourite songs. 


BTW, if you were looking for songs more appropriate for the holidays, you can find my own personal Christmas playlist.

10. "The Years" by ††† (CROSSES)

I'm starting the list with a track from the surprisingly good Batman: Arkham City soundtrack. Apparently used as the Joker's theme, "The Years" by ††† starts with an ominous sounding slow burn but then suddenly explodes into a cacophony that oozes in sex-appeal. You can just picture all hell breaking loose when THE part in the song happens.  ††† is the side band of Deftones front man Chino Moreno.