So if it would be New Year’s Eve right now and I would have to choose my end of year song at this moment, there are three choices for me. In all cases there’s this hook in the song that I completely and utterly adore, there’s a little something that I haven’t been able to get enough of in the past half year. If I would have to choose my song now, it would be because of the music, not because of the thought behind it. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten to that point before. Usually I get rather philosophical about what a song means to me. This time it wouldn’t be the case.
So I hear you ask, Lannie, don’t let us wait any longer, which songs are they? Well, sweet reader, these are the songs, in somewhat of a chronological order because I think I discovered the songs in this order:
- Disarmonia Mundi, “Common State of Inner Violence”
Discovering this song literally went like this. Olli and I were sitting in the computerroom, quietly minding our own business on the great big Interweb (I was probably playing Popo 
), and Olli was playing some random songs on shuffle. And then this song came on. And from the first three drumbeats I sat up straight with an open mouth and exclaimed: “WHAT is this?” Because it felt like Soilwork, but more chaotic. And damn, this song is the opening to their album Fragments of a D-Generation – it explodes. The drums are so wicked sick. It’s this pure burst of unguided energy, it just drags me along. It’s also been one of my most-played songs when I was exercising on the crosstrainer for this very reason. Nearly killed myself on that crosstrainer too, because I just want to RUN when I hear this song. Run with a stupid grin on my face, haha. Anyway, this song sealed Disarmonia Mundi for me. The whole album is great, but this song is it’s shining jewel.
- White Lies, “Fairwell to the Fairground”
Ha, I remember discovering this song, too. I was in the car with Lie and Bren on our way to the Fantasy Fair. Lie told me she liked the song, so I had a good listen-to. And yeah, what’s there not to like about the song. It’s so damn hopeful. There’s this great drumbeat there that is distinctive enough to stand out. And the whole ‘keep on running’ sequence begs to be sang along with. Olli is a great sucker for the ‘We’ll head south, just hold my hand now / I feel like casting off my clothes / and I’m running through the show towards the sunset / and I’m always with you’ which is, indeed, maybe one of the most romantic things I’ve ever heard. It speaks of new beginnings together. I’ve played this song over and over in the past few months, I think it is gorgeous.
- Starsailor ft Brandon Flowers, “Tell Me It’s Not Over”
Make sure you only listen to the version with Brandon Flowers, this is a case where the backup vocals lift the song to a higher level. But oh, this song is not just the backup vocals. What makes it for me, of course, is the piano. I’m such a sucker for a compelling piano piece. It’s damn powerful. And yeah, the lyrics demand a loud singing along as well, haha. It’s great for sitting in the tram 15 (when the damn thing finally shows up), with my head leaning against the window, sun in my face. Close my eyes, and just drowning in the song for a little bit. I completely overplayed this song as well, I have to admit. And this one even has potential to really make it to my song of the year. Because this is everything a pop/rock song should be.
So there you are, for your listening pleasure. I hope I satisfied your (probably nonexistent curiosity) to what are the best songs of the year so far in my not so very humble opinion. 