Top 20 Singles Of 2012

By now, most music review sites have already made their best of 2012 lists. And I'm very happy to throw my own into the mix. Most people will disagree with me on my list, but here it goes:

#20
Carrie Underwood
"Blown Away"

The intense lyrics and production makes this Underwoods best since "Temporary Home" and a highlight of her career.

#19
Justin Moore
"Til My Last Day"

One of Moore's best vocal performances to date elevates this from bland to charming, and the electric guitar brings the single to life.

#18
Kip Moore
"Beer Money"

Easily one of the most fun summer songs in recent memory. The well placed hand claps and solid vocal performance elevate this from good to great.

#17
Florida Georgia Line
"Cruise"

Best summer song in recent memory. Also the best sing along song in recent memory.

#16
Lady Antebellum
"Dancin' Away With My Heart"

A soft production and gorgeous melody elevate a potentially boring lyric to elite heights.

#15
Gloriana
"(Kissed You) Good Night"

Sure, the lyrics don't scream depth, but the production, melody and vocals make this one a fantastic pop-country tune.

#14
David Nail
"The Sound Of A Million Dreams"

Beautiful arrangement, powerful lyrics along with Nail's great vocal performance makes this a winner.

#13
Phil Vassar
"Don't Miss Your Life"

By far the best Phil Vassar single to date, as well as one of the best written songs of the year.

#12
Blake Shelton
"Over"

Not overly original from a lyrical standpoint, but Shelton's passionate performance and big title hook make "Over" a fantastic record.

#11
Dean Brody
"Canadian Girls"

Brody sings the hell out of this clever Canadian anthem, making for his best single to date.

#10
Thomas Rhett
"Beer With Jesus"

One of the best singles by a new artist this year. Production does a great job of staying out of the way.

#9
Kacey Musgraves
"Merry Go 'Round"

The most frighteningly real song of the year, Musgraves gives us the most interesting debut in a while.

#8
The Band Perry
"Postcard From Paris

Well sung, well produced and well written. Nice.

#7
Toby Keith
"Beers Ago"

What lifts this single over the top is the non-stop energy Keith injects it with.

#6
Chris Young
"Neon"

I would take this single with nothing but the vocal performance. Everything else is an added bonus.

#5
George Strait
"Drinkin' Man"

Quite simply the best written song of the year.

#4
Tim McGraw
"Better Than I Used To Be"

The arrangement here, as well as the vocals, is spectacular.

#3
Big & Rich
"That's Why I Pray"

Best lyrics and harmony that I have ever heard from B&R.

#2
Eric Church
"Springsteen"

Flawless. Would have been #1 by far if it weren't for......

#1
Jason Aldean
"Fly Over States"

Yes, "Fly Over States" is the This Is Country Music best single of 2012. It has all the makings of a great song.

Great lyrics? Check.
Passionate vocals? Check.
Great production? Check.

So it is my honour, to name "Fly Over States" my top single of 2012.



Here's to another great year of music in 2013.