Best Songs of 2010: 25-11

25. Beach House “Walk in the Park”
The perfect soundtrack to a dream, “Walk in the Park” effortlessly bobs along. There is no real peak in the song. It just consistently delivers simple beats for Victoria Legrand’s vocals to soar over and it works for the atmosphere they are trying to create: an ethereal sound that would also pair well with a casual stroll to match its title. – Lindsay Juley

24. The Walkmen “Stranded”
As the lead-in to the fiery “Victory,” “Stranded” strolls in midway through The Walkmen’s quietly brilliant Lisbon. Amidst its lazy gait and melancholy horns, Hamilton Leithauser sings sadly of a past love — not so much for something lost, but for what might have been. – Seth McNitt

23. Foals “This Orient”
While being a comfortably predictable five-man band making indie love songs, there is an element of perfection that Foals adds to that predictability. The “not trying to be poppy” poppy beat of drum rolls, quick guitar stringing, and obscure metal clanking works well with the level vocals and building sound. “It’s your heart that gives me this western feeling” — likewise, it’s your music, Foals, that gives me this western feeling, and I am not complaining. – JoAnn Schinderle

22. Warpaint “Undertow”
“Undertow” is a sea of moods. With waves of emotion that ebb and flow between desperation on verses with plodding bass lines and defiance on an up-tempo bridge with sharp, jangling guitar work, it’s a track that wallows in its own misery until gaining strength at the end. It’s these combined with haunting, dual lo-fi vocals that lend themselves to the track’s lush art-rock quality. – Sarah Probst

21. Sufjan Stevens “I Walked”
The slow undulating beat that starts out “I Walked” by Sufjan Stevens pulsates with pain. Like only Stevens can do, that pain builds throughout the song and culminates with echoes of heartache that resonate so true. – Julie Gong

20. Glasser “Apply”
Have you ever been lost in the jungle, in complete darkness, the only guide being your torch and thumping sounds of a constant drum? Me neither, but I’m assuming that experience is quite similar to the feeling of this song. The heart-pounding beat, feathered vocals sprinkled with sharp tribal-like calls reminds me of cheetahs and war paint. “Apply” is intriguing, bold, and a quick fix song for anyone in need of a confidence boost. – JoAnn Schinderle

19. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. “Vocal Chords”
Every once in a while, a band writes a love song that actually sounds like a love song. Instead of floundering in over-sentimentality, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. captures the joy of love by assembling the happiest sounds they can — a bouncy groove, pretty harmonies, soaring strings, and whistling. – Claire Tiller

18. Vampire Weekend “Giving Up the Gun”
For the first few seconds, you don’t notice that there’s something different going on. Then, a percussive guitar asserts itself and you realize you’re hearing one of the catchiest and most danceable tracks that an indie rock group has put out in some time. Ezra Koenig’s vocals float among the electronic twinkles and Chris Tomsen’s earthy drums, and when the last strains float away you hit repeat, repeat, repeat. – Stacey Lansing

17. The Naked and Famous “Young Blood”
“Young Blood” reminds you of what it feels like to be a teenager: young, carefree, energetic. This five-piece band brilliantly laces familiar ’80s synth with clever lyrics to deliver one hell of punch. But don’t get too comfortable with this sound because their debut album, Passive Me, Aggressive You, is filled with all sorts of different punches. – Julie Gong

16. Spoon “Written in Reverse”
Britt Daniel is on edge but he wears it so well, doesn’t he? By putting his temporal lobe firmly into whatever part of our brain that tells us to wise up, “Written in Reverse” persuades twenty-somethings to stay teenagers because losing your mind is better than losing your nerve. Whatever the outcome may be, it is the stomping piano jam of 2010 that made us glad to be angry and added to the greatness of yet another splendid Spoon record. – Andy DeLoach

15. Dark Dark Dark “Daydreaming”
The title to this song is so absurdly fitting. The ensemble of jazzy piano, soft drums, signature banjo, and accordion easily allows anyone to lose themselves in personal thought. The vocals on this track are timeless and carefree, yet with distinct drive and emotion. “Daydreaming” is cinematic, intensely personal, thoughtful, and an undeniably beautiful song. – JoAnn Schinderle

14. Dom “Living in America”
The sugary electro-pop goodness of the ’80s and ’90s had a baby with post-9/11 American patriotism and named it “Living in America.” Extolling the virtues of this American life like riding bikes, looking pretty, and doing what your heart desires, Dom spouts a gleeful love letter to the simple things over a fuzzy jam that hits hard with its stops and starts. – Stacey Lansing

13. LCD Soundsystem “I Can Change”
“I Can Change” might be from the wrong decade. Its synth-pop beat could easily find a home in any classic ’80s teen movie. Thankfully it came about in a decade that is dying for some change. Hopefully it isn’t like all those other times someone told you they could change and they didn’t. – Julie Gong

12. The Black Keys “Tighten Up”
“Tighten Up” proves that even cool kids get the blues. At once world-weary and effortless, Dan Auerbach laments love while Patrick Carney keeps the beat skipping along. Late in the song, things unwind and the defeat is like a kick to the gut. No need to worry, though — just hold steady and you’ll make it to the end. – Stacey Lansing

11. Gayngs “Faded High”
“Faded High” is a barrage of sound that doesn’t allow itself to be categorized. With 23 band members and an insane amount of talent, Gayngs orchestrates a refined ambiance on this track with layered vocals, a progressive beat, and masterful fluidity. Seven and a half minutes flies by all too quickly. – Chad Helminak