Maybe it's the economy. Or the iTunes "Singles rule!" business model. Or even the Twitter-ization of creative thought. Whatever the reason, 2010 was a great year for singles, across the board, as more and more artists found ways to boil down their musical visions into one short burst of creativity. Here's a look at some of the best.
- 1. Cee Lo Green, "Forget You" (Elektra): This ranting kiss-off disguised as a Motown classic is smart, touching and impossible to forget, even before he gets to the thrilling bridge of soulful screams of "Why?" And, yes, the expletive-filled version with the title we can't print is way better.
- 2. Kanye West featuring Pusha T, "Runaway" (Roc-a-Fella): The epic tribute to self-doubt and self-loathing set to a grand, piano-driven landscape is as lovely as it is desperate. His toasts are so well-crafted and sad-sack that you almost feel bad for West. And, yes, the expletive-filled version is way better.
- 3. Rihanna featuring Drake, "What's My Name?" (Def Jam): Oh 'Na 'Na, this is near-perfect pop raised to high art when she quickens the pace during the "Hey boy" bits, singing those lines faster out of sheer excitement like a girl in love.
- 4. The National, "Blood Buzz Ohio" (4AD): The driving beat and big groove make the generally unflappable-sounding Matt Berninger seem, well, happy.
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- 5. Robyn, "Dancing on My Own" (Interscope): A roller coaster of post-breakup emotions that Robyn somehow makes survivable through gurgling synths, an unstoppable beat and a brave delivery.
- 6. Jonsi, "Go Do" (XL): Pure joy, as seemingly delivered by Icelandic sprites carrying piccolos and big bass drums.
- 7. Tracey Thorn, "Why Does the Wind?" (Merge): Mournful synths, Thorn's gorgeous vocals and a whole lot of distrust. It's like Jonathan Franzen's "Freedom" set to music.
- 8. Kanye West featuring Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Bon Iver and Nicki Minaj, "Monster" (Roc-a-Fella): So much greatness bouncing around until Minaj delivers a star-making string of verses so incredible that even after dozens of listens it still amazes.
- 9. Macy Gray, "Kissed It" (Concord): Part peacemaker, part stadium rocker -- and all sorts of fun.
- 10. Das Racist, "You Oughta Know" (Greedhead/ Mishka): Built over a sped-up sample of Billy Joel's "Movin' Out," the Brooklyn trio offers a laid-back version of their multi-culti hip-hop and showcase all-out cleverness.
