Frequent commenter Dana had quite a bit to say about my ‘best songs of the year’ selections (in particular, he lamented the lack of radio hits).
Obviously every year-end list is different. Mine was light on Billboard toppers, and I’m sure Dana’s hypothetical list would ignore the great year for women in country music. Both of our lists would completely ignore heavy metal. Doesn’t make either of us right or wrong.
But I was curious about that hypothetical list from Dana… and now I don’t have to be! He has been gracious enough to take the reins of Meet Me In Montauk for the next two weeks to count down his ten favorite songs of the year.
I’ll chime in with my own reactions to Dana’s picks in the comment section (completing the role reversal).
So take it away, Dana…
‘Counting Stars’ – One Republic
I’ve always enjoyed the songs I have heard on the radio from One Republic, but have never felt the need to buy one of their albums. For some reason, earlier this year, my daughter became a bit obsessed with One Republic and bought the new album. So, my exposure to this song may have come through her playing the album even before it began its ascent up the pop charts.
This is one of those songs that I found catchy on first listen (how could one not?), but it has also continued to grow on me with repeated listening. Like most hit songs, there probably will be a point where this one will overstay its welcome, but that hasn’t happened to date.
Dreaming ’bout the things that we could be
But baby I been, I been prayin’ hard
Said no more counting dollars
We’ll be counting stars
Yeah, we’ll be counting stars
I see this life
Like a swinging vine
Swing my heart across the line
In my faces flashing signs
Seek it out and ye shall find
The old, but I’m not that old
Young, but I’m not that bold
And I don’t think the world is sold
I’m just doing what we’re told
I, feel something so right
But doing the wrong thing
I, feel something so wrong
But doing the right thing
I could lie, could lie, could lie
Everything that kills me makes me feel alive
Lately I been, I been losing sleep
Dreaming ’bout the things that we could be
Baby I been, I been prayin’ hard
Said no more counting dollars
We’ll be counting stars
Lately I been, I been losing sleep
Dreaming ’bout the things that we could be
But baby I been, I been prayin’ hard
Said no more counting dollars
We’ll be, we’ll be counting stars
I feel the love
And I feel it burn
Down this river every turn
Hope is a four letter word
Make that money
Watch it burn
Old, but I’m not that old
Young, but I’m not that bold
And I don’t think the world is sold
I’m just doing what we’re told
I, feel something so wrong
But doing the right thing
I could lie, could lie, could lie
Everything that drowns me makes me wanna fly
Lately I been, I been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
Baby I been, I been prayin’ hard
Said no more counting dollars
We’ll be counting stars
Lately I been, I been losing sleep
Dreaming ’bout the things that we could be
But baby I been, I been prayin’ hard
Said no more counting dollars
We’ll be, we’ll be counting stars
Take that money and watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I learned
Take that money and watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I learned
Take that money and watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I learned
Take that money and watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I learned
Everything that kills me makes me feel alive
Lately I been, I been losing sleep
Dreaming ’bout the things that we could be
Baby I been, I been prayin’ hard
Said no more counting dollars
We’ll be counting stars
Lately I been, I been losing sleep
Dreaming ’bout the things that we could be
Baby I been, I been prayin’ hard
Said no more counting dollars
We’ll be, we’ll be counting stars
(Take that money and watch it burn)
(Sink in the river the lessons I learned)
(Take that money and watch it burn)
(Sink in the river the lessons I learned)
(Take that money and watch it burn)
(Sink in the river the lessons I learned)
(Take that money and watch it burn)
(Sink in the river the lessons I learned)
Meet Me In Montauk 
The fact that Daniel got to sing back up vocals on this song in a school concert earlier this year didn’t hurt our appreciation any, I’m sure, but, I, too, have enjoyed this song from the first time I heard it and have yet to tire of it.
Enjoy the break, Clay! 🙂
I hadn’t heard this song before you posted it. I agree, it’s pretty catchy.
I actually saw OneRepublic live at Epcot when they played at the opening of the new Test Track. We were about 10 feet from them. I didn’t realize how many familiar songs they had written. I couldn’t have told you a single OneRepublic song before seeing them (and I couldn’t name one now, for that matter) but I recognized several. They have a good sound, just not a very distinctive one.
I am jealous!! I am only a little obsessed with OneRepublic, less so with this song now that the radio keeps playing it to death. I really love their sound, and while it isn’t very varied from song to song, I think it is pretty distinctive to their band. At the very least they have some great lyrics and killer hooks. I am surprised you have managed to avoid this particular song though XD
Welcome to the blog Dana! This is a catchy tune; I’ve never heard of OneRepublic, but that’s no surprise since I don’t listen to the radio except for NPR (old boring lady) Anyway, I’m curious as to what radion stations you all listen to?? I thought you mostly plugged in your Ipods to music you have already recorded.
Thank you for all the comments.
Clay, glad I was able to find at least one song you had not heard before, which underscores my observation that led to all of this:)
I won’t say they have the most diverse of sounds, though I think if you listen to “Apologize” or “Stop and Stare” among others and this song, there is a pretty decent variation in sound.
Peg, as to your question, when the kids are in the car (particularly Daniel), we tend to rotate between satellite stations 2, 15 and 16. 2 is the “hits” station. 15 is called the Pulse and features hits from today, but also hits over the past 20 years or so. .16 is called the Blend and plays a nice mix of pop songs over the past 20 years also. Usually, Daniel dictates what stays on the radio — when a song comes on, he proclaims “radio” or “audio” (usually pronounced “ra-jio” or “au-jio”), which is our cue in the front seat to press the “radio” or “audio” button in order to identify the song and artist playing. Daniel then either asks to leave that song on or change to one of the other stations.:)
If a song is one of his many “jams,” we then get a full-fledged concert from the back seat! ;).
And really, Clay?! You’d never heard this one before? I’m thinking the top hits Friday’s might be a must for the upcoming year.