The J-50: My Top 50 Songs of All Time [Songs 1->10]

10) Alison Kraus – Baby, Now That I’ve Found You - After I first heard this song, I spent almost over a year trying to figure out who sang it. Such simple, earnest lyrics delivered by such a magnificent voice. Alison really brings the heartbreak to this song, which is actually a remake of a funky tune by '60s group The Foundations.

9) Van Hunt - Daredevil, baby - "You don't know anything till you open up your heart and find that you can't stop bleeding." Take the risk to love, Van Hunt encourages, even if you may fall.

8) Alison Kraus - Get Me Through December - Yep, Alison makes the top ten twice. Her voice is just that good. This collaboration with fiddle player Natalie McMaster is breathtaking. "Get me through December, " Alison sings, "so I can start again."

7) Five For Fighting - Superman (It's Not Easy) - At times, we feel like the superhero in our own little world. That's not always easy. This song addresses that, making an extended metaphor of the "real" Superman. Very creative, John Ondrasik, very creative.

6) John Legend - Show Me - "Show Me" is the prayer of a person distressed by world conditions, and while I might not necessarily agree with the perspective entirely, I really sympathize with it because it's very honest. This song presents a totally different side of one of my favorite artists, and sounds like nothing else he's done before or since. To be real, this is the best Jeff Buckley song Jeff Buckley never did, which takes us to the real deal...

5) Jeff Buckley - Everybody Here Wants You - If you have not heard this song, please treat yourself to a listen! The smooth vocal pacing and soulful guitar licks support lyrics that are sexy without being overtly sexual. Jeff's voice and musical vision were so rare. It's sad that he's not with us today to continue to share them.

4) Coldplay - Fix You - We all have been hurt. We all have scars for various reasons. Wouldn't it be nice to have someone love you so much that they want to help you heal? That's how Chris Martin feels about his wife Gwyneth Paltrow. He wrote this song for her shortly after her father died. The simple chorus makes for great "stadium rock" (picture people singing along and holding up lighters) and the emotional sentiment is pretty endearing.

3) Kelly Clarkson - Sober - This may not have been one of her bigger hits, but it's her best song hands down. The lyrics and raw emotion in Kelly's voice ring true whether a person is walking away from a relationship or an addiction.

2) Incognito - Shade of Blue - This song is the epitome of smooth. It wraps you up in its mood, and leaves you with an unforgettable impression.

1) Robin Thicke - U Center Me - Here we have it - my favorite song of all time. Although, it wasn't released on Robin's sophomore album The Evolution of Robin Thicke (for which it was recorded), it's undoubtedly one of his best works. The piano melody at the top of the song let's you know you're about to hear something special. The slow driving taps or percussion move the song forward and keep you engaged. The words speak of a love that came like a rescue (yes, he's talking about his wife Paula Patton... she's so purrrty).

And that's the J-50... so what did you think? Leave a comment!

The J-50: My Top 50 Songs of All Time [Songs 20->11]

20) Kiley Dean – Escape - Kiley's smooth, soulful tone floats with ease over rhythmic guitar and lingering piano. The lyrics ring pretty true, too.

19) Dixie Chicks - Top of The World - Country songs have some of the best storytelling in music, period, and this song is a really good example. The dissatisfaction of the main character is almost palpable. The Chicks' harmonies are oh so sweet here, as well.

18) Natalie Imbruglia - Wrong Impression - This song is infectious. I can't help but feel happy and in love (with music!) when I hear it.

17) OneRepublic - All We Are (unreleased version) - This is the very first version of the song that now appears on the band's debut album Dreaming Out Loud. I played this song non-stop when I first heard it. The emotion was so real, and the chorus so memorable. I'm very happy that 1R is getting their chance to shine.

16) Britney Spears - I'm A Slave 4 U - The Neptunes and B. Spears at the peak of her pop glory created a musical "moment" right here... yeah, so what, I love this song. What?

15) The Cardigans - Celia Inside - Okay, this songs bouncy, '60's lounge vibe and Nina's sugary sweet vocals are perfection, but also misleading. The main character of the song wishes that his would-be-lover (who doesn't return his affections) was dead. Wow, is it that crucial? Lots of pescadas in the sea, dude.

14) Mary J. Blige - Be Without You - Talk about musical synergy, this is a prime example. Brian Michael Cox (producer) + Johnta Austin (songwriter) + MJB (Queen of Hip Hop Soul) = monster hit. Again, when I begin to lose faith in modern R&B, songs like this come along.

13) Dave Matthews Band - Crush - This song's vibe perfectly evokes its lyrics. And yep, it's almost 8 minutes long. How cool is that!

12) Eric Clapton - Pilgrim - "I was a pilgrim for your love," Eric sings. Clapton trades in his bluesy rock edge, for a more somber, R&B-tinged flavor on this one, and it works.

11) Boyz II Men - On Bended Knee - Ha! Yeah, that's the excitement I feel when I hear my boys Nathan, Shawn, Michael and Wanya harmonize like nobody's business. Need to apologize to your lady? Here's the perfect song to help you (unless of course, you were just dead wrong, then, uh, the good Lord help you).

We're almost there! You'll know my top ten favorite songs of all time tomorrow ... now leave a comment!

The J-50: My Top 50 Songs of All Time [Songs 30->21]

30) Christopher Cross - Sailing - Here's another classic that will be continue to be played on radio for years to come because it's just a really good song. Try to deny it, I dare you.

29) Lionel Richie - Climbing - Hmm, two "-ing" songs back to back. Not intentional... anyhow, Lionel Richie is one of the industry's most respected artists/songwriters. On this song, he also tries his hand at composing, to epic effect.

28) Phyllis Hyman - Meet Me On The Moon - Phyllis's voice was a great instrument that, unfortunately, went largely unrecognized. This song is one of her later masterpieces, released not long before her untimely death.

27) Damien Rice - Cannonball - "It's not hard to fall when you float like a cannonball." Yeah, love can be hard to get over...

26) Chrisette Michele - Love Is You - Two of modern R&B's true talents, John Legend and Chrisette Michele, produced a fine piece of work with this ballad. An example of great musical synergy.

25) Phil Collins - Everyday - With an unforgettable melody and simple, earnest lyrics, Phil Collins makes "baby, please stay" feel so genuine.

24) Train - Drops of Jupiter - Some nifty lyrical "footwork", dramatic strings, and the urgent vocals of lead singer Pat Monahan make this one of those songs that just can't be improved upon.

23) India.Arie - Beautiful - Anyone who has ever taken a big risk or made a big change in order to better themselves can find their feelings echoed in this song. I'm definitely one of those people...

22) Coldplay - Sparks - "Did I drive you away? I know what you'll say..." Yeah, this song hooks you into its melancholy from the opening guitar strums. Another one that could not possibly be improved.

21) India.Arie – Ready For Love - It seems that the timing for love doesn't always work out right. In this song, India's ready, but love hasn't found her. One listen and you can tell that this came from nowhere else but her heart... how can you not feel it?

We're over half-way there! See you tomorrow for songs 20 through 11... what do you think so far?

The J-50: My Top 50 Songs of All Time [Songs 40->31]

40) Billy Joel – And So It Goes - A musical chameleon and master of storytelling, Billy Joel is undoubtedly one of the greats. This particular song is simple, yet powerful... just words and a piano (you'll notice several of those on this list).

39) Stevie Wonder – Overjoyed - Stevie Wonder has inspired a generation of musical artists (i.e. India.Arie, Glenn Lewis, Musiq, Robin Thicke) with his musical vision. The softer side of that vision is on full display here, and sugar-sweet love rarely sounds this good.

38) Glenn Lewis – Fall Again - This song was written by Robin Thicke and Walter Afanasieff and was originally recorded by Michael Jackson for his "Invincible" album (Michael's version was later released on a boxed set). Glenn's vocals are much more believable and fit the lush, romantic mood this song creates.

37) John Mayer – Stop This Train - Life as we know it is like a one-way train, and you can't get off. This song finds John Mayer acknowledging that fact, all the while wishing that the warm moments could last just a little longer. Can you blame the guy?

36) The Police – Every Breath You Take - There's a reason why this song is still played on radio today - it's GREAT. A cynical person may see the lyrics as almost stalker-ish, but they truly represent love and dedication, and that's pretty timeless.

35) Sade – No Ordinary Love - "I gave you all the love I've got, I gave you all that I could give"... who hasn't felt that? Who hasn't felt this song?

34) Chaka Khan - Love Me Still - Chaka Khan was the '70s queen of hollering, but on this Bruce Hornsby-written ballad, she sings and emotes like I didn't even know she could. This song will stick with you once you hear it.

33) Alanis Morisette - Uninvited - From its opening of haunting piano keys, you know that this song is something special. Dark, yet expansive, Alanis brings some of her best vocal and lyrical talent to this ballad of love unrequited, or, "uninvited".

32) Brandy – When You Touch Me - Today, fans and music industry professionals alike will tell you that Brandy is a trendsetter when it comes to vocal arrangements. This song showcases some of that post "Full Moon" era arranging, while also giving old-school, "Never Say Never" Brandy a chance to just sing.

31) Damien Rice - Amie - There are boring, cliched love songs, and then there are songs like this, that are poetic and sound like a familiar, timeless melody that you've never heard before. Listen to the song, and that might make more sense. :p

See you tomorrow for songs 30 through 21... now leave a comment!

The J-50: My Top 50 Songs of All Time [Songs 50->41]

So, welcome to the J-50! This is my countdown of the songs that mean the most to me, have shaped my musical perspectives, and set the soundtrack for my life. So, let's jump in...

50) You Don't Have To Let Go - Jessica Simpson - Believe it or not, "J. Simp" makes the list with this song. She apparently (co-)wrote it for her father when she married Nick Lachey, but even without knowing that, the song takes on a lot of meaning for any loved one that has sacrificed a lot.

49) Keri Noble - Falling -This song is a beautiful, simple piano ballad that captures the moment one takes the risk to fall in love. Keri is an excellent songwriter.

48) Case - Missing You - Every time I begin to lose my faith in modern R&B, well-written, well-executed songs like this come along to restore it.

47) Lizz Wright – Vocalise/The End of The Line - Lizz Wright is a master vocalist, evocative like no other. Any cover song she does takes on new life, and this is especially the case with this Nina Simone classic.

46) Heatwave – Always and Forever - R&B classic. Songs like this will never go out of style.

45) Dido – White Flag - Dido's musical moods range from melancholy to almost exuberant, but her voice maintains a cool, sweet delivery throughout. The sweeping strings and memorable chorus of this song make it one of my favorites among her catalogue.

44) Jon B. feat Babyface – Someone To Love - Before Robin Thicke found his audience, Jon B. was the 90s poster child for "blue-eyed soul" here in the U.S. (Remy Shand held that title in Canada). Put him together with the preeminent songwriter of the 90s, and you have an instant hit, instant classic.

43) Eric Clapton – Change The World - Eric Clapton and Babyface... what! 'Nuff said.

42) Luther Vandross – So Amazing - Ain't nothin' like some "Loofa"! Rumors about his personal life aside, Mr. Vandross was definitely a great male vocalist, and he could sing love songs like no other. This is him at his best.

41) Ben Harper - Forever - Our world tends to view love as a fleeting thing, and often music reflects that. This acoustic gem is an excellent exception.

See you tomorrow for songs 40 through 31... now leave a comment!