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.

If Popular Songs were Shakespearean Sonnets

MADONNA's Super Bowl Halftime Show

Just in case you missed it yesterday, Madonna was responsible for the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show and she did a really great job. Even though it was lip-synced, it didn`t matter since she put on a visual spectacle full of special effects and dance routines that grabbed the attention and adulation of the crowd I was with last night. It may be my favourite halftime show ever.

It included guest stars LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., and Cee Lo Green.

The songs included were: "Vogue," "Music," "Party Rock Anthem" (LMFAO), "Sexy and I Know It" (LMFAO), "Give Me All Your Luvin'," "Open Your Heart," "Express Yourself," and "Like A Prayer."  

P.S. That M.I.A. incident is a huge non-story that people are devoting too much time and energy into. I didn`t even notice it until the internet told me so this morning.