i SQUARE - Hey Sexy Lady

Artist: i SQUARE Track: Hey Sexy Lady Album: Hey Sexy Lady - Single Year: 2010
I've been neglected the genre of dance-poppy, top 40 music that I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with. Sure, I enjoy a good pop song, but a lot of times, the track just doesn't stick with me and I stop listening to it after a while. This one, however, has stuck and sadly, I never heard it on the radio.
On first glance, you might compare this group to The Black-Eyed Peas simple on appearance, but don't let that give you an misconceptions of the group. They have their own style which they say goes out to the "squares" out there who "might not be in the cool clique but can shine in their own way". Beyond that, I think the track is simple fun. The chorus is my favorite part and the lyrics amuse me with lines like "Stevie Wonder even saw her smilin'". 
Click for lyrics, music video, & links!

Fort Minor - Believe Me

Artist: Fort Minor Track: Believe Me Album: The Rising Tied Year: 2005
Fort Minor is most commonly known for their song "Where'd You Go" off of the same album, but this track is my favorite by them. If that doesn't sounds familiar, I'll throw a well-known band name at you now: Linkin Park. Fort Minor is the creation of Mike Shinoda, one of the two main singers of Linkin Park. He features several vocalists on this album and Bobo & Styles Of Beyond sings in "Believe Me".
This is one of the few hip-hop songs to which I know all the words of the rap verses, but no one will ever catch me singing them. Oh well. I love the beat, especially in the bridge. It almost has a bit of a conga feel to it. 
Click for lyrics, music video, & lyrics!

The Neighbourhood - Sweater Weather

Artist: The Neighbourhood

Track: Sweater Weather

Album: I'm Sorry...

Year: 2012

I JUST found this song and I already love it enough to feature it today. I love the summery, California rock tones over hip-hop-ish beats. It just has this great vibe that makes you want to sway back and forth and snap your fingers, but nod your head and bounce around at the same time. 

I love the lyrics to the song as well. They're tender and sensual and make you feel warm. My favorites are "So let me hold both your hands in the holes of my sweater" and "No shirt. No blouse. Just us."

Click for lyrics, music video & links!

Iglu & Hartly - In This City

Artist: Iglu & Hartly Track: In This City Album: & Then Bloom Year: 2008
This song is just plain fun. There's so much randomness thrown into the song, but it works itself perfectly into a catchy pop song. Half-rapped lyrics, synthpop notes, and random acoustic bridges. You just have to tap your foot to the beat. And I dare you to try not to smile as you sing along with the lyrics. Click here for lyrics, music video, & links!

Shwayze - Crazy For You

Artist: Shwayze
Track: Crazy For You
Album: Let It Beat
Year: 2009
Time for a little hip hop again (or something vaguely hip-hop)! I was introduced to this song by a friend a few years back. It's a great feel-good track with fun lyrics, mellow vocals, and lazy guitar strumming. They have a bit of a reggae mixed with rock and a dash of hip-hop thrown in sound to their music. My favorite line is "I wouldn't be late if I looked at the clock, but I'd rather spend time than buy a wrist watch."

Click here for lyrics, music video & link!

CYNE - Pretty Apollo

Artist: CYNE
Track: Pretty Apoloo
Album: Water For Mars
Year: 2009
WARNING: This song does contain explicit content, but very little.  I haven't featured any hip-hop yet, so here's a little something. CYNE's track "Pretty Apollo" has been in my music collection for a while now and I still love it. Maybe it's because of the title, but when I listen to the opening to the song, I see a space shuttle launch in my mind. The song has an uplifting beat and feel-good lyrics. Plus I really like main vocalist's voice and that's surprising for me, because I'm not a huge fan of most hip-hop/rap. Click here for lyrics and links!