Part two of this article; link may or may not turn it into a top 100.
Honorable Mentions: National Anthem, Cry For The Moon, Lagoon, Cookie Thumper and Luvhaus5
50. Numa Numa (O-Zone): This song had to at least make it to my top 50. Honestly it's probably one of my most played songs and I've heard most every version of it from the original to the Chinese to the Vietnamese one. The song is just so catchy and I attach it to many memories; when I was on a field trip in 6th grade my friend and I sang it the whole bus ride to our destination lol. My sister and I also sang it on our summer vacation road trip. Not only that but we discovered the many versions it during my brother's birthday party after coming across it whilst watching Resident Evil parody videos. This song is just so fun and has been hugely humorous for me I couldn't not add it to the top 50.
Favorite Line: When you leave my colors fade to gray
Favorite Part: Hey little lover stay, or all my colors fade away every word of love I use to say.
49. Steal My Sunshine (Len): This is another song I had to add because of the nostalgia attached. This song was my absolute favorite when I was maybe five years old. I'd have my dad repeat it over and over again (alongside Walk Like An Egyptian). And I never really got sick of it. I kind of forgot about it though after awhile and when I found it again I loved it just as much as before. Heck, I even remember listening to the Kidz Bop version lol.
Favorite Line: Impaired my tribal lunar speak
Favorite Part: My sunshine if you steal my sunshine
48. Unskinny Bop (Poison): Unskinny Bop is another childhood song and I love it to this day. It's another really fun and catchy one, very upbeat and energetic. Like Steal My Sunshine, this was one of the first songs I remember loving.
Favorite Line: Love bite got you acting oh so strange you got too many bees in your honey am I just another word in your page, yeah, yeah
Favorite Part: What's been going on in that head of yours unskinny bop just blows me awayunskinny bop, bop
47. Caramelldansen (Caramelldansen): Alongside Cascada's Every Time We Touch and Smile.dk's Butterfly, this was the first song I heard on the internet. This song is fun to dance too--and simple at that. Not to mention it's just really catchy; get's stuck in my head every time. This is another song that has memories attached; song probably helped kickstart my internet addiction lol. I remember all of the anime 'fanflash' videos with different characters dancing to it. Basically, it was the first meme I came across--and before I even knew what memes were.
Favorite Line: N/A
Favorite Part: N/A
46. Mourning Star (Blood On The Dancefloor): I was kind of surprised to add a BOTDF song to this list. While they are a kind of funny listen they're more of a guilty pleasure group. But Mourning Star is actually kind of a touching song. It's one of the songs I feel like the boys actually took seriously. Whether you interpret it as a break up or the death of a loved one it's still a pretty emotional song. I'm going to be completely honest and say the main reason I like this song is the female vocals by Haley Rose. Haley just has such a sweet and soft alluring voice, very pleasant to listen to. And the boys actually aren't that bad in this one either. When they actually try they can make good music.
Favorite Line: Though the tears fall down my face
I still refuse to cry.
Favorite Part: I know I'll never be alone I'll always keep you in this song no matter where I go, you'll still be with me when you're gone.
45. Freedom (Blood Stain Child): Freedom is another song I just couldn't not add. I've loved this song for a good while and I don't really ever get sick of it. It's thanks to Freedom that another door to music opened up for me. It's a nice blend of clean vocals and screaming, plus a little bit of female synthesized vocals. This is actually what drew me into the song in the first place; it just had a nice mix and I think that the vocals are very unique. I love the electro-style female vocals at the beginning of the song. Another thing I really appreciate is how the song slowly gets intense as it plays on. Like it gets crazy after the piano solo; where the screaming vocals and the clean vocals (and a bit of the synthesized vocals) begin to overlap.
Speaking of the piano; the instruments are a great blend too--from kick ass guitars to the piano. And like the vocals the instruments totally go nuts in the end.
Lyrically and meaning-wise the song is cool too. The lyrics are deep but in a way that doesn't make them sound pretentious. Between my two favorite lines; 'peace doesn't exist if there is no dark' and 'what is peace, sorrow, pain, anger the world where those all do not live.' And lines like 'Why can you feel happiness? Why can you laugh and try? This world is made in light and dark.' You have a magnificent song about how light can't exist without dark. I seldom come across a song like this theme-wise and I am so glad Blood Stain Child wrote a song about this. The grammar may be a bit off but they're a Japanese band and English isn't their first language. But it in no way ruins the song.
Favorite Line: Peace doesn't exist if there is no dark.
Favorite Part: Mind that longs for peace endless war it's our mind what is peace, sorrow, pain, anger the world where those all do not live.
44. Butterfly (Smile.Dk): Like most of the above, Butterfly is just such a fun listen. And alongside Caramelldansen, was my internet song! Not even kidding, this song was what started me on listening to foreign music. It's just so catchy and upbeat and I'll forever associate it with Temari from Naruto because that's how I found it. The two singers just have such unique and cute vocals and it's always getting stuck in my head.
Favorite Line: Green black and blue make the colours in the sky.
Favorite Part: Ay ay ay I'm your little butterfly.
43. Fantastic Baby (Big Bang): Had to add some K-pop to the list. And this is definitely probably one of my favorite K-pop songs. It's catchy, it's fun, it's about letting go, being yourself, and having a good time. Those kinds of songs are always wonderful. Not to mention the vocals are awesome from each of the boys (G-Dragon, T.O.P, Seungri, Daesung, and Taeyang). You get a more nasal style from GD (but in a good way) and then you got really low vocals from T.O.P, his rapping is always on par. From Seungri you get some nice clean vocals and from Dae some vocals on the harsher scratchy side. And then Taeyang comes in with more silk-smooth singing. Each of the boys bring something different into the song to create a wonderful blend of sheer awesome. The video's kickass too.
Favorite Line: 하나부터 열까지 모든 게 다 한 수위
모래벌판 위를 미친듯이 뛰어봐도 거뜬한우리
하늘은 충분히 너무나 푸르니까 (From one to ten, everything is one level above even if we crazily run on sand, we’re still so agile because the sky is blue enough).
Favorite Part: 분위기는 과열 huh catch me on fire huh.
42. Rose On The Grave Of Love (Xandria): I can not say enough how much I love a wonderful Symphonic Metal ballad. The splendor and beauty of Lisa Middelhauve's vocals in this song is unfathomable. I adore her soprano voice. All around Rose On The Grave Of Love is just a beautiful song, and touching at that. The beginning instruments are very complimentary to Middelhauve's vocals. Put together, they created for a very haunting song. If you're into ballads, this is a good song to listen to.
Favorite Line:Like the roses, they fear the gloom your thorns, they kissed my blood your beauty heals, your beauty kills.
Favorite Part: Come like the dusk like a rose on the grave of love.
41. The Warden (Chelsea Wolfe); Holy cow, The Warden is just such a haunting song. Chelsea's vocals never fail to impress me for one; light, soft, and borderline breathy--creates for an eerie feel. The exact kind of feel this song needs. In it Wolfe speaks of how "The warden bore a hole in my skull, it’s true tore off my limbs and my breasts the heart it’s heavy in the chest." It's only befitting of a song that speaks of torture to be sung in such a darkly beautiful way. The meaning/lyrics alone are enough to entice me with this song; in an industry dominated with love and sex songs, a song with such an odd and creepy theme is lovely. I mean lordy, lordy, if this--pulled out my tongue so I can’t speak the truth--doesn't put an image in your head, I don't know what will.
Favorite Line: He saw in the hands it's white as snow
the heavy endless weight on my heels it's cold
the water on my head but I won't speak of you.
Favorite Part: The cold and the loud and they won’t let me sleep I’ve been dragged on the floor and my blood earns my keep.
40. Terra Firma (Delerium): Terra Firma is another song that I would describe as haunting and mysterious. This one is definitely a part of my dream movie soundtrack--for one something dark and ominous is happening. I think that's exactly why I enjoy Terra Firma so much; because it ignites such imagery in my head. Kristy Thirsk's vocals are astounding, love her high notes. The instrumental bits as always add to that air of mystery in the song. Terra Firma is definitely worth the listen if you're into ambient with maybe a hint of Gregorian.
Favorite Line: It's the rain that I hear coming, not a stranger or a ghost it's the quiet of a storm approaching that I fear the most.
Favorite Part:You can't see my eyes, you can't see my eyes they don't see yours.
39. Something's Going On (Frida): Another good old childhood favorite. If nothing else, Something Going On has a catchy beat and melody. When I was about six this song was on repeat all day every day, to the point my father suggested "maybe it's time to listen to a different song now?" I just remember that this song was my favorite 5eva! as a kid, one of them anyhow. I love Frida's voice, especially in the chorus. If you're looking for a good 80's pop throw back, here you go. This is the best one. :P
Favorite Line: I know a good thing must come to an end but it's hard to take loosing a friend.
Favorite Part: I can see that it won't be long you grow cold when you keep holding on.
38. Spirit's Mascaraed (Leaves Eyes): More than anything, I like this song because of the instruments. I love the bagpipe bit. Pretty sure that bit was the playing of funeral music which would make a lot of sense considering the song is about dying and going to Heaven; "I close my eyes forever, forever and evermore." "The first gate of pleasure the second door we'll lose all shame we'll dance through the heavens." Now add in Liv Kristine's vocals and you have another musical masterpiece. She's got this sort of grace and elegance to her voice. This song sounds like it belongs to the Heavens. Like those intro vocals, hot damn, I know I was in musical Heaven.
Favorite Line: The light of day is fading hear the violins fill the halls this is our way to Heaven.
Favorite Part: Call the bells, spirits rise up and dance masquerade listen the call, spirits rise up and sing masquerade.
37. Genesis (Grimes): Genesis is just such an enchanting little song. Like this is the stuff faeries dance too. Maybe not lyrically but the way Claire Boucher sings. Genesis is just such a unique song; aside from Grimes' other stuff I've never really heard anything else like it--even Grimes' other work sounds kind of different from Genesis. It's just a beautiful song. The instruments aren't anything to special aside form the in the beginning (which initially gave me the impression that this song is a fairy song lol). But they really don't have to be; I like how the focus is on Boucher's vocals.
Favorite Line: Ever see, ever be, ever know.
Favorite Part: My heart I never be I never see I never know.
36. Uthark Runa (Therion): Kay, now this is some movie trailer shit. Like Uthark is the song I'd play for some epic fantasy battle. Alongside Terra Firma this is on my dream movie soundtrack. Everything about this song is intense and epic. You've got some choir operatic vocals in the beginning, following those come harsher metal(ish) vocals and then into the chorus you have the opera-style stuff again. It's an awesome blend. Everything that's needed in a symphonic metal song really. And of course you got that kickass guitar rift and solo. Just another perfect song, don't know why it hasn't been used in cinema yet lol. Though I don't worship Norse Gods, this song is a cool song about them. For real though Therion has a lot of amazing songs like this one (such as Kali Yuga III) the band as a whole is worth checking out.
Favorite Line: And drink from the well of Urd taste the fruits of Iduna decipher the signs from the north.
Favorite Part: Hail, hail, hail the mystery Uthark, code of secrecy.
35. Lucid Dreamer (Tarja): Lucid Dreamer is definitely my favorite Tarja song. It's a song I can relate to; I am such a daydreamer. All of the lyrics are just so magical and inspiring. "But I just walk through The story of forgotten fields I ran with you." I mean that astounding imagery! And of course Tarja's singing is always on par with her stunning operatic style. Her voice is always pleasing to the ear and never disappoints. And like always; a mention to the instruments. In Lucid Dreamer they bring that enchanting feeling, that light dreamy chime melody. On top of that all, this song reminds me of my dog as it's the last song she heard before passing away; so it's a special song in that I can associate it with my dog.
Favorite Line: You can do anything when you feel it burning at your wings.
Favorite Part: You can go everywhere you can rise up, see me standing there just look in the mirror.
34. Path To Decay (Sirenia): Now here's another good one. Between this and The Other Side, Sirenia is a great band. Found this song while listening to Within Temptation's Ice Queen, it was love ever since. The music video rocks; it's really fascinating too. But as far as the song goes--really neat theme. As you can probably tell I'm a sucker for unique themes. Whether you intemperate this as a deterioration of the mind, motivation, or life itself, it's still something fresh. And it's lyrically stunning as well; "The lights are fading day by day no cure for the lost, there's no ascending
When life could not become more pale." "We're feeble and stand to fall the daylight has long since gone." No matter how you toss it, the theme of fading strength of sorts is present and interesting to hear sung. And Ailyn does so, so well. Especially in the very last chorus when the operatic choir comes in after the guitar solo. It as at that point I can picture in my head a coffin or something descending as the mourners close in droning a melancholy departing song. Any song that can paint such a vivid image in my head has earned it's place in my top 50.
Favorite Line: Life brings nothing for the sane keep searching new days on the horizon while time just seems to slip away.
Favorite Part:But a new dawn has yet to come. [Gituar solo] Seems like I'm falling deeper, deeper inside myself.
33. Beast Within (Katra): Here's to yet another song with a neat theme. A song about someone "fallen from the grace" after losing a battle with those metaphorical inner demons. As I interpret the song it's about facing those inner demons and losing. Because lets face it--not all songs can be about a happy victory--someone's gotta write the dark stuff, and Katra was perfect for the job. Like a lot of my other favorites she brings in those lovely operatic soprano vocals, very clean and very clear at that. She can probably give Tarja a run for her money in that regard; not to say one is better than the other as both ladies present a stunning performance in their own ways. The intro to the chorus is on point, the guitars leading in do their job. All around, Beast Within is an intense listen.
Favorite Line: But lingering and the pain came along you light left no trace.
Favorite Part:What was before exists no more when beauty became the beast within.
32. Magic Summer Night (Cascada): Had to add some variety to the list. Seeing as most of the few leading up to song 32 were of the Symphonic Metal nature, I thought I'd toss in some good 'ol trance music. Boy does this song bring back some memories; summer of '07 baby. Funny, I associate this song, t.A.T.u's All About Us, Hilary Duff's Dignity, and WT's entire Mother Earth album together--because I found 'em all at the same time. Gosh, I remember listening to this song on a short car ride as I day dreamed about fictional characters. Played it in the background at a summer get together. I guess the nogolsia is what has this one so high on the list. And no wonder, it is called Magic Summer Night. Of course memories aren't the only thing that landed it here; Cascada's vocals are always pleasing to the ear, she's got that cute and sweet voice. And then the uplifting beat playing under those vocals. Fun song, great memories attached.
Favorite Line: Stars are shinning so bright so com'on raise your hands up, hands in the air magic summer night
Favorite Part: [Song intro] Com'on happy people get on the floor do you feel it so right?
31. Last Man Standing (Nicky Haslm): Not like I love this song so much only because Helena Bonham Carter is singing in it or anything...
That's totally why I love it so much. But come on! Helena's voice is just so beautiful, and honestly after listening it through a few times I really did start to adore the song beat and rhythm wise too. I also do adore the lyrics, it's actually a pretty sad and touching song when you read them through; "Every now and then I surmise That everything I do Is a lie So go out and get Myself high And unwind." and "What you got to lose? Asked myself Nothing here to prove To no one else I just wanna be Somewhere else In my mind." Like holy cow you two, stop! But actually don't because this is amazing. How I see it, it's about a person who's at their wits end, they feel like he/she's got nothing else to lose so he/she is going to take some sort of risk to maybe better things for him/herself; "Got to deal with fate If it makes sense I'm going it alone And who knows What I'll find?" Like damn son, these lyrics are deep. And the more I read 'em the deeper they get. I had such a hard time deciding which line was my favorite really.
Favorite Line: Every now and then I surmise that everything I do is a lie.
Favorite Part: I just wanna be somewhere else in my mind.
29. All Summer Long (Kid Rock): Surprise, surprise right? Of course this one's gonna be on here after all it was a huge, huge part of the summer of '08. A.k.a some of probably the best days of my life thus far. This song was constantly playing on the radio in the background, and I never got sick of it. I remember listening to it on my very first out of state vacation and like, Cascada's Magic Summer Night, was playing as I daydreamed about fictional characters, just watching the road roll by. It was playing at the family barbecue, while my sister and I played outside, I had it on at the hotel, it was everywhere.
Of course it was super easy for this song to become my summer anthem, it's so upbeat and fun. And really the lyrics specially talk about summer noglosia. To be honest I think this song should have landed in my top 10; if I weren't so lazy I'd put it there now lol. Funny part is I usually don't like songs like this so much. I mean I like them but I'm not super into them. But come on, this one's catchy and as stated before fun. It's really kind of a feel good song. And feel good I did. :P
Another thing about All Summer Long that's really great is that it kind of comes to an end just how summer did; "now nothing seems as strange as when the leaves began to change or how we thought those days would never end sometimes I'll hear that song and I'll start to sing along." And it truly did state the feelings accurately. Getting a bit deep with this one; for me it was one of those middle school innocent childhood things where I really didn't think those summer days would end and the fall kind of just snuk up on myself, my siblings, and my friends. Holding true to this day--as Robert Ritchie sometimes hears Sweet Home Alabama and sings along--I totally hear his song, start singing along, and think man I'd love to go back to that summer!
This song is just so legit. I can't...
Favorite Line: Splashing through the sand bar talking by the campfire it's the simple things in life, like when and where.
Favorite Part: Sometimes I'll hear that song and I'll start to sing along and think man I'd love to see that girl again while we were trying different things.
28. April Rain (Delain): Less memories attached to this one but a song of gold no less. Charlotte Wessels never fails to impress. Initially I was drawn in by the title--and for the silly reason, that I have an April birthday. This was the first Delain song I ever heard (and I'm glad I did), when I first started to listen to the song and the band I didn't even have a clue that they'd soon become my second favorite band. Didn't know it 'til they dropped their third album. I adore Charlotte's vocals in this one; soft and powerful all at once. And the instruments to boot. I completely love, with all of my heart, the break down when Charlotte starts singing "keep raining 'cuase we are blind." It's sung at a slower tempo, I believe the instruments (aside from the piano) all cut out and then it get's all intense again as the chorus comes--that's some good shit right there. And of course I enjoy the meaning; a narrator who doesn't seem to have the best of luck and also seems to be blind to good things that happen to him/her. I gather this meaning from these lyrics; "Every wind that you have sailed upon, a hurricane every summer you have seen was filled with April rain."
"Count your blessings and prepare to change your point of view all those days that you spend waiting won't come back to you take off the glasses that have treated your world black and grey it doesn't get easy, don't you know."
And finally, "'cause we are blind to fortune's guidance now."
And of course the band's use of April rain as a metaphor for bad luck. is on point. Like all other songs on this list; April Rain has me hooked lyrically and meaning-wise.
Favorite Line: Every wind that you have sailed upon, a hurricane every summer you have seen was filled with April rain.
Favorite Part: Keep raining 'cause we are blind, 'cause we are tired, 'cause we are blind to fortune's guidance now it keeps raining, 'cause we are blind, it will keep raining, 'cause we are tired.
27. Ice Queen (Within Temptation): Ice Queen was the first song I heard by Within Temptation, so it totally has a special place in my heart; still remember how I found it too--I was searching Azula tribute videos (guess one good thing leads to the next). And Ice Queen continues to remind me of one of my first ever favorite characters; Icy. Anyhoo, I love the orchestral instruments--especially the intro ones. The violins and the brass mixed with guitars and drums. Pure awesome. And as always some lovely mezzo-soprano vocals from the wonderful Sharon Den Adel. Her voice as always is so silky smooth and angelic especially when she hits those high notes in the chorus. Thematically, Ice Queen is ace. It's such a poetic song that personifies winter, speaking of it as a cruel woman able to take the world down on a whim of anger; "On cold wings she's coming you better keep moving
for warmth you'll be longing, nightingale." "When she embraces your heart turns to stone she comes at night when you're all alone and when she whispers your blood shall run cold you better hide before she finds you whenever she is raging she takes all life away." Though Sharon sings of a woman it's very clear that she's referring to the cold embrace of a coming harsh winter. Between the personification and striking imagery depicted in the lyrics this song is truly art. I mean the first line alone ("When leaves have fallen and skies turned to gray the night keeps on closing in on the day a nightingale sings his song of farewell.") provides a stellar and breath-taking imagery. It's so hard to pick one favorite line in this musical story. I mean so much poetry, my inner author more than approves, majorly. On top of that it's one of those songs I mentioned that I tied to a good memory.
Favorite Line: She covers the earth with a breath taking cloak the sun awakes and melts it away the world now opens it's eyes and sees.
Favorite Part: Whenever she is raging she takes life away haven't you seen? Haven't you seen? The ruins of our world.
26. Mother Earth (Within Temptation): As all WT songs are to me, Mother Earth is pure musical gold, a beacon of song related light, a gem of all things music and musical. Next to Our Farewell and Jillian this is totally my favorite Within Temptation song. This is the Within Temptation song that has the most sentimental value to me; I bought the album(as mentioned) back in '07 and I remember playing it as I walked with my grandmother and sister through the forest--it smelled of freshly cut grass and these little fluffy cottonwood seeds where dancing in the summer air. There was a bright blue sky and a nice breeze. Mother Earth was really the perfect song for a summer walk in the forest. And since I didn't have all my other CD's with me I was basically listening to this album and Hilary Duff's Dignity one every day lol; so I got a daily nature walk with this song. But enough about that, pretty sure people came here to hear about the music. Mother Earth is another song that just whisks me away to another time, another place--medieval Europe but with castles and dragons and elves. From the very first chord, it takes me on a journey. Mother Earth has these very medieval sound instruments in the intro that make for a perfect beginning to track 1 on the album. Accompanying the orchestral suit was a harmonious choir, and then comes Sharon's voice "Birds and butterflies rivers and mountains she creates" (God, I remember when I first heard the song in that freaking forest--it was like a choir of angels descended from the heavens to grace my ear holes). At that time I'd never really heard a song like Mother Earth and the song just opened a whole new door to music for me (something else I greatly appreciate about the song). Other than awe-striking I can't really find the words to describe Sharon's vocals in this song. Mother Earth was just a perfect blend, a good balance between the vocals and the instruments, neither overpowering the other. And of course I cannot neglect the breakdown where the choir comes back and sings "Once you will know my dear you don't have to fear until the end of time until the end of time until the end of time she goes her way." Because that was a superb addition to Mother Earth. So I mentioned how the lyrics painted images in my head, but I haven't really talked about them yet. What I like about Mother Earth is that it is another not-so-typical theme found in music. One in which nature is being talked about but not as a metaphor for something else. It really is about appreciating the marvels, wonders, and dangerous beauty of nature; the great and powerful mother earth. Sharon sings of the crafting of mountains and of how you can't control or predict what nature will do. "But you'll never know
the next move she'll make you can try but it is useless to ask why cannot control her she goes her own way." Like holy cow, this is just one of those songs where I'm like 'I'm so glad I found you' each and every time it sparkles through my headphones.
Music video is wicked too.
Sharon owl.
Favorite Line: With every breath and all the choices that we make we are only passing through on her way.
Favorite Part: Birds and butterflies rivers and mountains she creates but you'll never know the next move she'll make
Honorable Mentions: National Anthem, Cry For The Moon, Lagoon, Cookie Thumper and Luvhaus5
50. Numa Numa (O-Zone): This song had to at least make it to my top 50. Honestly it's probably one of my most played songs and I've heard most every version of it from the original to the Chinese to the Vietnamese one. The song is just so catchy and I attach it to many memories; when I was on a field trip in 6th grade my friend and I sang it the whole bus ride to our destination lol. My sister and I also sang it on our summer vacation road trip. Not only that but we discovered the many versions it during my brother's birthday party after coming across it whilst watching Resident Evil parody videos. This song is just so fun and has been hugely humorous for me I couldn't not add it to the top 50.
Favorite Line: When you leave my colors fade to gray
Favorite Part: Hey little lover stay, or all my colors fade away every word of love I use to say.
49. Steal My Sunshine (Len): This is another song I had to add because of the nostalgia attached. This song was my absolute favorite when I was maybe five years old. I'd have my dad repeat it over and over again (alongside Walk Like An Egyptian). And I never really got sick of it. I kind of forgot about it though after awhile and when I found it again I loved it just as much as before. Heck, I even remember listening to the Kidz Bop version lol.
Favorite Line: Impaired my tribal lunar speak
Favorite Part: My sunshine if you steal my sunshine
48. Unskinny Bop (Poison): Unskinny Bop is another childhood song and I love it to this day. It's another really fun and catchy one, very upbeat and energetic. Like Steal My Sunshine, this was one of the first songs I remember loving.
Favorite Line: Love bite got you acting oh so strange you got too many bees in your honey am I just another word in your page, yeah, yeah
Favorite Part: What's been going on in that head of yours unskinny bop just blows me awayunskinny bop, bop
47. Caramelldansen (Caramelldansen): Alongside Cascada's Every Time We Touch and Smile.dk's Butterfly, this was the first song I heard on the internet. This song is fun to dance too--and simple at that. Not to mention it's just really catchy; get's stuck in my head every time. This is another song that has memories attached; song probably helped kickstart my internet addiction lol. I remember all of the anime 'fanflash' videos with different characters dancing to it. Basically, it was the first meme I came across--and before I even knew what memes were.
Favorite Line: N/A
Favorite Part: N/A
46. Mourning Star (Blood On The Dancefloor): I was kind of surprised to add a BOTDF song to this list. While they are a kind of funny listen they're more of a guilty pleasure group. But Mourning Star is actually kind of a touching song. It's one of the songs I feel like the boys actually took seriously. Whether you interpret it as a break up or the death of a loved one it's still a pretty emotional song. I'm going to be completely honest and say the main reason I like this song is the female vocals by Haley Rose. Haley just has such a sweet and soft alluring voice, very pleasant to listen to. And the boys actually aren't that bad in this one either. When they actually try they can make good music.
Favorite Line: Though the tears fall down my face
I still refuse to cry.
Favorite Part: I know I'll never be alone I'll always keep you in this song no matter where I go, you'll still be with me when you're gone.
45. Freedom (Blood Stain Child): Freedom is another song I just couldn't not add. I've loved this song for a good while and I don't really ever get sick of it. It's thanks to Freedom that another door to music opened up for me. It's a nice blend of clean vocals and screaming, plus a little bit of female synthesized vocals. This is actually what drew me into the song in the first place; it just had a nice mix and I think that the vocals are very unique. I love the electro-style female vocals at the beginning of the song. Another thing I really appreciate is how the song slowly gets intense as it plays on. Like it gets crazy after the piano solo; where the screaming vocals and the clean vocals (and a bit of the synthesized vocals) begin to overlap.
Speaking of the piano; the instruments are a great blend too--from kick ass guitars to the piano. And like the vocals the instruments totally go nuts in the end.
Lyrically and meaning-wise the song is cool too. The lyrics are deep but in a way that doesn't make them sound pretentious. Between my two favorite lines; 'peace doesn't exist if there is no dark' and 'what is peace, sorrow, pain, anger the world where those all do not live.' And lines like 'Why can you feel happiness? Why can you laugh and try? This world is made in light and dark.' You have a magnificent song about how light can't exist without dark. I seldom come across a song like this theme-wise and I am so glad Blood Stain Child wrote a song about this. The grammar may be a bit off but they're a Japanese band and English isn't their first language. But it in no way ruins the song.
Favorite Line: Peace doesn't exist if there is no dark.
Favorite Part: Mind that longs for peace endless war it's our mind what is peace, sorrow, pain, anger the world where those all do not live.
44. Butterfly (Smile.Dk): Like most of the above, Butterfly is just such a fun listen. And alongside Caramelldansen, was my internet song! Not even kidding, this song was what started me on listening to foreign music. It's just so catchy and upbeat and I'll forever associate it with Temari from Naruto because that's how I found it. The two singers just have such unique and cute vocals and it's always getting stuck in my head.
Favorite Line: Green black and blue make the colours in the sky.
Favorite Part: Ay ay ay I'm your little butterfly.
43. Fantastic Baby (Big Bang): Had to add some K-pop to the list. And this is definitely probably one of my favorite K-pop songs. It's catchy, it's fun, it's about letting go, being yourself, and having a good time. Those kinds of songs are always wonderful. Not to mention the vocals are awesome from each of the boys (G-Dragon, T.O.P, Seungri, Daesung, and Taeyang). You get a more nasal style from GD (but in a good way) and then you got really low vocals from T.O.P, his rapping is always on par. From Seungri you get some nice clean vocals and from Dae some vocals on the harsher scratchy side. And then Taeyang comes in with more silk-smooth singing. Each of the boys bring something different into the song to create a wonderful blend of sheer awesome. The video's kickass too.
Favorite Line: 하나부터 열까지 모든 게 다 한 수위
모래벌판 위를 미친듯이 뛰어봐도 거뜬한우리
하늘은 충분히 너무나 푸르니까 (From one to ten, everything is one level above even if we crazily run on sand, we’re still so agile because the sky is blue enough).
Favorite Part: 분위기는 과열 huh catch me on fire huh.
42. Rose On The Grave Of Love (Xandria): I can not say enough how much I love a wonderful Symphonic Metal ballad. The splendor and beauty of Lisa Middelhauve's vocals in this song is unfathomable. I adore her soprano voice. All around Rose On The Grave Of Love is just a beautiful song, and touching at that. The beginning instruments are very complimentary to Middelhauve's vocals. Put together, they created for a very haunting song. If you're into ballads, this is a good song to listen to.
Favorite Line:Like the roses, they fear the gloom your thorns, they kissed my blood your beauty heals, your beauty kills.
Favorite Part: Come like the dusk like a rose on the grave of love.
41. The Warden (Chelsea Wolfe); Holy cow, The Warden is just such a haunting song. Chelsea's vocals never fail to impress me for one; light, soft, and borderline breathy--creates for an eerie feel. The exact kind of feel this song needs. In it Wolfe speaks of how "The warden bore a hole in my skull, it’s true tore off my limbs and my breasts the heart it’s heavy in the chest." It's only befitting of a song that speaks of torture to be sung in such a darkly beautiful way. The meaning/lyrics alone are enough to entice me with this song; in an industry dominated with love and sex songs, a song with such an odd and creepy theme is lovely. I mean lordy, lordy, if this--pulled out my tongue so I can’t speak the truth--doesn't put an image in your head, I don't know what will.
Favorite Line: He saw in the hands it's white as snow
the heavy endless weight on my heels it's cold
the water on my head but I won't speak of you.
Favorite Part: The cold and the loud and they won’t let me sleep I’ve been dragged on the floor and my blood earns my keep.
40. Terra Firma (Delerium): Terra Firma is another song that I would describe as haunting and mysterious. This one is definitely a part of my dream movie soundtrack--for one something dark and ominous is happening. I think that's exactly why I enjoy Terra Firma so much; because it ignites such imagery in my head. Kristy Thirsk's vocals are astounding, love her high notes. The instrumental bits as always add to that air of mystery in the song. Terra Firma is definitely worth the listen if you're into ambient with maybe a hint of Gregorian.
Favorite Line: It's the rain that I hear coming, not a stranger or a ghost it's the quiet of a storm approaching that I fear the most.
Favorite Part:You can't see my eyes, you can't see my eyes they don't see yours.
39. Something's Going On (Frida): Another good old childhood favorite. If nothing else, Something Going On has a catchy beat and melody. When I was about six this song was on repeat all day every day, to the point my father suggested "maybe it's time to listen to a different song now?" I just remember that this song was my favorite 5eva! as a kid, one of them anyhow. I love Frida's voice, especially in the chorus. If you're looking for a good 80's pop throw back, here you go. This is the best one. :P
Favorite Line: I know a good thing must come to an end but it's hard to take loosing a friend.
Favorite Part: I can see that it won't be long you grow cold when you keep holding on.
38. Spirit's Mascaraed (Leaves Eyes): More than anything, I like this song because of the instruments. I love the bagpipe bit. Pretty sure that bit was the playing of funeral music which would make a lot of sense considering the song is about dying and going to Heaven; "I close my eyes forever, forever and evermore." "The first gate of pleasure the second door we'll lose all shame we'll dance through the heavens." Now add in Liv Kristine's vocals and you have another musical masterpiece. She's got this sort of grace and elegance to her voice. This song sounds like it belongs to the Heavens. Like those intro vocals, hot damn, I know I was in musical Heaven.
Favorite Line: The light of day is fading hear the violins fill the halls this is our way to Heaven.
Favorite Part: Call the bells, spirits rise up and dance masquerade listen the call, spirits rise up and sing masquerade.
37. Genesis (Grimes): Genesis is just such an enchanting little song. Like this is the stuff faeries dance too. Maybe not lyrically but the way Claire Boucher sings. Genesis is just such a unique song; aside from Grimes' other stuff I've never really heard anything else like it--even Grimes' other work sounds kind of different from Genesis. It's just a beautiful song. The instruments aren't anything to special aside form the in the beginning (which initially gave me the impression that this song is a fairy song lol). But they really don't have to be; I like how the focus is on Boucher's vocals.
Favorite Line: Ever see, ever be, ever know.
Favorite Part: My heart I never be I never see I never know.
36. Uthark Runa (Therion): Kay, now this is some movie trailer shit. Like Uthark is the song I'd play for some epic fantasy battle. Alongside Terra Firma this is on my dream movie soundtrack. Everything about this song is intense and epic. You've got some choir operatic vocals in the beginning, following those come harsher metal(ish) vocals and then into the chorus you have the opera-style stuff again. It's an awesome blend. Everything that's needed in a symphonic metal song really. And of course you got that kickass guitar rift and solo. Just another perfect song, don't know why it hasn't been used in cinema yet lol. Though I don't worship Norse Gods, this song is a cool song about them. For real though Therion has a lot of amazing songs like this one (such as Kali Yuga III) the band as a whole is worth checking out.
Favorite Line: And drink from the well of Urd taste the fruits of Iduna decipher the signs from the north.
Favorite Part: Hail, hail, hail the mystery Uthark, code of secrecy.
35. Lucid Dreamer (Tarja): Lucid Dreamer is definitely my favorite Tarja song. It's a song I can relate to; I am such a daydreamer. All of the lyrics are just so magical and inspiring. "But I just walk through The story of forgotten fields I ran with you." I mean that astounding imagery! And of course Tarja's singing is always on par with her stunning operatic style. Her voice is always pleasing to the ear and never disappoints. And like always; a mention to the instruments. In Lucid Dreamer they bring that enchanting feeling, that light dreamy chime melody. On top of that all, this song reminds me of my dog as it's the last song she heard before passing away; so it's a special song in that I can associate it with my dog.
Favorite Line: You can do anything when you feel it burning at your wings.
Favorite Part: You can go everywhere you can rise up, see me standing there just look in the mirror.
34. Path To Decay (Sirenia): Now here's another good one. Between this and The Other Side, Sirenia is a great band. Found this song while listening to Within Temptation's Ice Queen, it was love ever since. The music video rocks; it's really fascinating too. But as far as the song goes--really neat theme. As you can probably tell I'm a sucker for unique themes. Whether you intemperate this as a deterioration of the mind, motivation, or life itself, it's still something fresh. And it's lyrically stunning as well; "The lights are fading day by day no cure for the lost, there's no ascending
When life could not become more pale." "We're feeble and stand to fall the daylight has long since gone." No matter how you toss it, the theme of fading strength of sorts is present and interesting to hear sung. And Ailyn does so, so well. Especially in the very last chorus when the operatic choir comes in after the guitar solo. It as at that point I can picture in my head a coffin or something descending as the mourners close in droning a melancholy departing song. Any song that can paint such a vivid image in my head has earned it's place in my top 50.
Favorite Line: Life brings nothing for the sane keep searching new days on the horizon while time just seems to slip away.
Favorite Part:But a new dawn has yet to come. [Gituar solo] Seems like I'm falling deeper, deeper inside myself.
33. Beast Within (Katra): Here's to yet another song with a neat theme. A song about someone "fallen from the grace" after losing a battle with those metaphorical inner demons. As I interpret the song it's about facing those inner demons and losing. Because lets face it--not all songs can be about a happy victory--someone's gotta write the dark stuff, and Katra was perfect for the job. Like a lot of my other favorites she brings in those lovely operatic soprano vocals, very clean and very clear at that. She can probably give Tarja a run for her money in that regard; not to say one is better than the other as both ladies present a stunning performance in their own ways. The intro to the chorus is on point, the guitars leading in do their job. All around, Beast Within is an intense listen.
Favorite Line: But lingering and the pain came along you light left no trace.
Favorite Part:What was before exists no more when beauty became the beast within.
32. Magic Summer Night (Cascada): Had to add some variety to the list. Seeing as most of the few leading up to song 32 were of the Symphonic Metal nature, I thought I'd toss in some good 'ol trance music. Boy does this song bring back some memories; summer of '07 baby. Funny, I associate this song, t.A.T.u's All About Us, Hilary Duff's Dignity, and WT's entire Mother Earth album together--because I found 'em all at the same time. Gosh, I remember listening to this song on a short car ride as I day dreamed about fictional characters. Played it in the background at a summer get together. I guess the nogolsia is what has this one so high on the list. And no wonder, it is called Magic Summer Night. Of course memories aren't the only thing that landed it here; Cascada's vocals are always pleasing to the ear, she's got that cute and sweet voice. And then the uplifting beat playing under those vocals. Fun song, great memories attached.
Favorite Line: Stars are shinning so bright so com'on raise your hands up, hands in the air magic summer night
Favorite Part: [Song intro] Com'on happy people get on the floor do you feel it so right?
31. Last Man Standing (Nicky Haslm): Not like I love this song so much only because Helena Bonham Carter is singing in it or anything...
That's totally why I love it so much. But come on! Helena's voice is just so beautiful, and honestly after listening it through a few times I really did start to adore the song beat and rhythm wise too. I also do adore the lyrics, it's actually a pretty sad and touching song when you read them through; "Every now and then I surmise That everything I do Is a lie So go out and get Myself high And unwind." and "What you got to lose? Asked myself Nothing here to prove To no one else I just wanna be Somewhere else In my mind." Like holy cow you two, stop! But actually don't because this is amazing. How I see it, it's about a person who's at their wits end, they feel like he/she's got nothing else to lose so he/she is going to take some sort of risk to maybe better things for him/herself; "Got to deal with fate If it makes sense I'm going it alone And who knows What I'll find?" Like damn son, these lyrics are deep. And the more I read 'em the deeper they get. I had such a hard time deciding which line was my favorite really.
Favorite Line: Every now and then I surmise that everything I do is a lie.
Favorite Part: I just wanna be somewhere else in my mind.
29. All Summer Long (Kid Rock): Surprise, surprise right? Of course this one's gonna be on here after all it was a huge, huge part of the summer of '08. A.k.a some of probably the best days of my life thus far. This song was constantly playing on the radio in the background, and I never got sick of it. I remember listening to it on my very first out of state vacation and like, Cascada's Magic Summer Night, was playing as I daydreamed about fictional characters, just watching the road roll by. It was playing at the family barbecue, while my sister and I played outside, I had it on at the hotel, it was everywhere.
Of course it was super easy for this song to become my summer anthem, it's so upbeat and fun. And really the lyrics specially talk about summer noglosia. To be honest I think this song should have landed in my top 10; if I weren't so lazy I'd put it there now lol. Funny part is I usually don't like songs like this so much. I mean I like them but I'm not super into them. But come on, this one's catchy and as stated before fun. It's really kind of a feel good song. And feel good I did. :P
Another thing about All Summer Long that's really great is that it kind of comes to an end just how summer did; "now nothing seems as strange as when the leaves began to change or how we thought those days would never end sometimes I'll hear that song and I'll start to sing along." And it truly did state the feelings accurately. Getting a bit deep with this one; for me it was one of those middle school innocent childhood things where I really didn't think those summer days would end and the fall kind of just snuk up on myself, my siblings, and my friends. Holding true to this day--as Robert Ritchie sometimes hears Sweet Home Alabama and sings along--I totally hear his song, start singing along, and think man I'd love to go back to that summer!
This song is just so legit. I can't...
Favorite Line: Splashing through the sand bar talking by the campfire it's the simple things in life, like when and where.
Favorite Part: Sometimes I'll hear that song and I'll start to sing along and think man I'd love to see that girl again while we were trying different things.
28. April Rain (Delain): Less memories attached to this one but a song of gold no less. Charlotte Wessels never fails to impress. Initially I was drawn in by the title--and for the silly reason, that I have an April birthday. This was the first Delain song I ever heard (and I'm glad I did), when I first started to listen to the song and the band I didn't even have a clue that they'd soon become my second favorite band. Didn't know it 'til they dropped their third album. I adore Charlotte's vocals in this one; soft and powerful all at once. And the instruments to boot. I completely love, with all of my heart, the break down when Charlotte starts singing "keep raining 'cuase we are blind." It's sung at a slower tempo, I believe the instruments (aside from the piano) all cut out and then it get's all intense again as the chorus comes--that's some good shit right there. And of course I enjoy the meaning; a narrator who doesn't seem to have the best of luck and also seems to be blind to good things that happen to him/her. I gather this meaning from these lyrics; "Every wind that you have sailed upon, a hurricane every summer you have seen was filled with April rain."
"Count your blessings and prepare to change your point of view all those days that you spend waiting won't come back to you take off the glasses that have treated your world black and grey it doesn't get easy, don't you know."
And finally, "'cause we are blind to fortune's guidance now."
And of course the band's use of April rain as a metaphor for bad luck. is on point. Like all other songs on this list; April Rain has me hooked lyrically and meaning-wise.
Favorite Line: Every wind that you have sailed upon, a hurricane every summer you have seen was filled with April rain.
Favorite Part: Keep raining 'cause we are blind, 'cause we are tired, 'cause we are blind to fortune's guidance now it keeps raining, 'cause we are blind, it will keep raining, 'cause we are tired.
27. Ice Queen (Within Temptation): Ice Queen was the first song I heard by Within Temptation, so it totally has a special place in my heart; still remember how I found it too--I was searching Azula tribute videos (guess one good thing leads to the next). And Ice Queen continues to remind me of one of my first ever favorite characters; Icy. Anyhoo, I love the orchestral instruments--especially the intro ones. The violins and the brass mixed with guitars and drums. Pure awesome. And as always some lovely mezzo-soprano vocals from the wonderful Sharon Den Adel. Her voice as always is so silky smooth and angelic especially when she hits those high notes in the chorus. Thematically, Ice Queen is ace. It's such a poetic song that personifies winter, speaking of it as a cruel woman able to take the world down on a whim of anger; "On cold wings she's coming you better keep moving
for warmth you'll be longing, nightingale." "When she embraces your heart turns to stone she comes at night when you're all alone and when she whispers your blood shall run cold you better hide before she finds you whenever she is raging she takes all life away." Though Sharon sings of a woman it's very clear that she's referring to the cold embrace of a coming harsh winter. Between the personification and striking imagery depicted in the lyrics this song is truly art. I mean the first line alone ("When leaves have fallen and skies turned to gray the night keeps on closing in on the day a nightingale sings his song of farewell.") provides a stellar and breath-taking imagery. It's so hard to pick one favorite line in this musical story. I mean so much poetry, my inner author more than approves, majorly. On top of that it's one of those songs I mentioned that I tied to a good memory.
Favorite Line: She covers the earth with a breath taking cloak the sun awakes and melts it away the world now opens it's eyes and sees.
Favorite Part: Whenever she is raging she takes life away haven't you seen? Haven't you seen? The ruins of our world.
26. Mother Earth (Within Temptation): As all WT songs are to me, Mother Earth is pure musical gold, a beacon of song related light, a gem of all things music and musical. Next to Our Farewell and Jillian this is totally my favorite Within Temptation song. This is the Within Temptation song that has the most sentimental value to me; I bought the album(as mentioned) back in '07 and I remember playing it as I walked with my grandmother and sister through the forest--it smelled of freshly cut grass and these little fluffy cottonwood seeds where dancing in the summer air. There was a bright blue sky and a nice breeze. Mother Earth was really the perfect song for a summer walk in the forest. And since I didn't have all my other CD's with me I was basically listening to this album and Hilary Duff's Dignity one every day lol; so I got a daily nature walk with this song. But enough about that, pretty sure people came here to hear about the music. Mother Earth is another song that just whisks me away to another time, another place--medieval Europe but with castles and dragons and elves. From the very first chord, it takes me on a journey. Mother Earth has these very medieval sound instruments in the intro that make for a perfect beginning to track 1 on the album. Accompanying the orchestral suit was a harmonious choir, and then comes Sharon's voice "Birds and butterflies rivers and mountains she creates" (God, I remember when I first heard the song in that freaking forest--it was like a choir of angels descended from the heavens to grace my ear holes). At that time I'd never really heard a song like Mother Earth and the song just opened a whole new door to music for me (something else I greatly appreciate about the song). Other than awe-striking I can't really find the words to describe Sharon's vocals in this song. Mother Earth was just a perfect blend, a good balance between the vocals and the instruments, neither overpowering the other. And of course I cannot neglect the breakdown where the choir comes back and sings "Once you will know my dear you don't have to fear until the end of time until the end of time until the end of time she goes her way." Because that was a superb addition to Mother Earth. So I mentioned how the lyrics painted images in my head, but I haven't really talked about them yet. What I like about Mother Earth is that it is another not-so-typical theme found in music. One in which nature is being talked about but not as a metaphor for something else. It really is about appreciating the marvels, wonders, and dangerous beauty of nature; the great and powerful mother earth. Sharon sings of the crafting of mountains and of how you can't control or predict what nature will do. "But you'll never know
the next move she'll make you can try but it is useless to ask why cannot control her she goes her own way." Like holy cow, this is just one of those songs where I'm like 'I'm so glad I found you' each and every time it sparkles through my headphones.
Music video is wicked too.
Sharon owl.
Favorite Line: With every breath and all the choices that we make we are only passing through on her way.
Favorite Part: Birds and butterflies rivers and mountains she creates but you'll never know the next move she'll make