Revisionist History: The Top 15 Singles of American Idol (Part III)

Before I begin the end here, I just want to comment on Entertainment Weekly TOTALLY ripping me off this week with their “Top 28 Tunes From ‘Idol’ Grads.”

Screw you, Entertainment Weekly. More like “Plagarism Weekly”.

Ok, so anyway — after much ado (and delay), here are the Top 5 singles of American Idol, as chosen by me. This list has been a combination of opinion and popularity.

And I promised, the Kelly Clarkson parade continues.

5. Kelly Clarkson — “Because of You”

It was a toss up between this one and “Behind These Hazel Eyes.” I went with this one because it’s a little more accessible than the former, but still quite memorable. “Accessible” is my new favorite word, apparently.

This song, as most of Clarkson’s songs, is definitely improved by her inflection and sincerity. It’s kind of the opposite of “Since U Been Gone,” her strong woman anthem. Very intense, if cheesy, and her vulnerability is a true asset here as well. Just look at her face, for God’s sake!

Kelly Clarkson — “Because of You”

4. Jordin Sparks — “Battlefield”

Now we’re getting into the meat of the list. These four songs are really head and shoulders above the rest.

Jordin Sparks was the winner of Season Six, and, after a slow start with radio singles such as “Tattoo,” has really begun to hit her stride. I was a big fan of hers from the audition stages on, and am really happy that she has finally seemed to find her niche.

This powerful little homage, it would seem, to Pat Benatar was co-written and produced by OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder. It is extremely theatrical and just plain awesome.

Speaking of awesome, check out Jordin Sparks here in a fancy dress walking through a field of explosions.

Jordin Sparks — “Battlefield”

3. Elliot Yamin — “Wait For You”

The second entry from the ultimate underdog, Season 5 third place finisher, Elliot Yamin. A massive improvement from the respectable “Fight For Love,” “Wait For You” is a truly touching and sincere ballad of longing for love lost.

It gets a little creepy here and there, maybe a little stalky (not “Invisible” by Clay Aiken level stalky or anything), but never really crosses the line, probably due mostly to the likability of Yamin.

This song reminds me of “Against All Odds,” even though it sounds nothing like it, and that’s always a good thing.

This is the fifth and final entry from a non-winner from Season 5, for all you Taylor Hicks fans keeping count.

Here’s Yamin with a much better haircut than before, understandably pining over this chick on a beach.

Elliot Yamin — “Wait For You”

2. Kelly Clarkson — “Since U Been Gone”

Is there a stronger version of the word “catchy”? If so, that would define this song. I’m pretty sure I had this song in my head for an entire year.

The first mega-hit from an American Idol contestant, this song really put Kelly Clarkson on the map as a true, potential pop icon. It was inescapable, and so well produced that even hipsters liked it. At least in San Marcos, TX.

My other favorite thing about this song is that is allowed Clarkson to challenge “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi as the most commonly performed song at at pro sporting events.

Interesting note: “Since U Been Gone” was written by Max Martin who also wrote the number six song on the list, “Behind These Hazel Eyes.” Even if you say you don’t like this song, you like this song. Even if you REALLY don’t like this song, you like this song. Here’s the official video. You’re welcome.

Kelly Clarkson — “Since U Been Gone”

1. Jordin Sparks (with Chris Brown) — “No Air”

Jordin Sparks tops her own efforts and even those of the mighty Kelly Clarkson here with a little help from pre-incarceration Chris Brown.

This song is pretty perfect. Incredible melody in the verses and an out of the park hook in the chorus, this song is pure pop glory. The lyrics are some of the best from an Idol single as well, never really cheesy, if still melodramatic. It even has a weird keyboard solo that sounds like it was from “The Neverending Story.”

And, I’m not going to lie, I have a personal connection with this one as well.

I was going to be a jerk and be anti-climactic by posting a terrible live performance of this song from an AI episode, but I decided this song deserves better. So, here’s the official video.

THE GREATEST SINGLE OF AMERICAN IDOL –

Jordin Sparks (with Chris Brown) — “No Air”

There it is! The Top 15 Singles of American Idol. I’ll be back every Monday during the voting rounds counting down the top 8 contestants for every every position from 12th to 1st! Hopefully Entertainment Weekly won’t rip that off too!

Related Posts:

Revisionist History: The Top 15 Singles of American Idol (Part 2)

Revisionist History: The Top 15 Singles of American Idol (Part 1)