Top 100 Songs: 41-50

Well faithful reader(s?), we’ve reached the halfway point of our journey. 50 songs down. 50 to go. What other surprises are in store?

50. Como la Flor-Selena

Ah Selena, legend of the Mexican music scene. Her life was tragically cut short by the president of her fan club. Fortunately, we were left with this gem before her passing. I think it’s a testament to this strength of this song that I was familiar with it before I started studying Spanish (while in Iowa, nonetheless…where latinos are sort of like mythical creatures).

Favorite Lyric: “No sé si pueda volver amar porque te di todo el amor que pude dar.”

49. Ain’t Goin’ Down (Till the Sun Comes Up)-Garth Brooks

Another song I first heard on Idol and another song that the contestants NEVER do justice. I think they delude themselves into thinking they’ll be able to pull of the lyrics and it either comes off too proper (Latoya London) or too sloppy (Michael Sarver). Either way, ain’t no topping this one.

Favorite Lyric: “She knows he’s anticipating but she’s gonna keep him waiting.”

48. Kiss-Prince

Remember when I said one artist makes the list twice? It’s Prince. I figure it’s only fitting that my favorite artist of all time gets special treatment. In his other placement on the list I won’t bother with the “Almost Picked,” but right now I have an effing laundry list. I think this one wins out because I’ve loved it the longest.

Favorite Lyric: “U can’t be 2 flirty mama I know how 2 undress me.” And yes, these are how the lyrics are officially listed.

Almost Picked: Darling Nikki, Sign O’ the Times, When You Were Mine, Little Red Corvette, Raspberry Beret, 7, P Control, and Cream. Shit, son!

47. Like a Prayer-Madonna

Ah, the Queen of Pop. Another artist that made it impossible to choose just one song. I went with this one because of the super controversial video and the layers of meaning. I mean, it takes balls to reference both religion and bee-jays in the same song. Pun intended?

Favorite Lyric: “I’m down on my knees I wanna take you there”

Almost Picked: Like a Virgin, Take a Bow, and Ray of Light.

46. Angel-Sarah McLachlan

Tattoo again.

Favorite Lyric: Not right now. Just trust me on this one.

45. Spiderwebs-No Doubt

Every song on this list that you can tie to an a cappella group at my university is a song that I liked before that group arranged it. However, this song is the sole exception. I have to say, the Mosaic Whisper’s version of Spiderwebs drew me to the song and I fell in love with No Doubt’s version.

Favorite Lyric: “Your words walk through my ears presuming I like what I hear.”

Almost Picked: Don’t Speak and Running

44. Yellow-Coldplay

Perhaps the best love song of the last decade. I’ll be that bold.

Favorite Lyric: “I drew a line/I drew a line for your/Oh what a thing to do.”

43. Tattoo-Jordin Sparks

DEAL WITH IT, ALR. DEALLLLL WITHHHHHHHHH ITTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!

Favorite Lyric: I mean they don’t quite make perfect sense, but that’s okay.

Almost Picked: Battlefield

42. Candy-Mandy Moore

The best song Britney never recorded. Too bad she had to go all “indie” recently. And by too bad, I mean a lot of her indie stuff is really good. So no hard feelings.

Favorite Lyric: The spoken middle section. You know what I’m talking about.

41. Son of a Preacher Man-Dusty Springfield

Every list needs a song by a bi-curious diva with a tranny-esque voice. Plus, isn’t this song super dirty if a guy sings it?

Favorite Lyric: “Being good isn’t always easy no matter how hard I try.”

Almost Picked: You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me