Top 10 Songs of March

Just a Guy’s monthly music article includes the top songs of March 2014. The restrictions are simple, the album or the song must have been released during the month in review. So as to encourage musical diversification, we only select one song per album per artist. With all the stipulations out of the way, let’s take a look at the best songs from March.

311 – Five of Everything

Longevity is something 311 certainly has. They’ve been putting out music for 25 years! “Five of Everything” comes from their 11th studio album, Stereolithic, is the lead single. This is their first studio album released independently since Unity in 1991. Stereolithic was  released on March 11 by no coincidence as it coincides with their name (3/11).

Skrillex – All is Fair in Love and Brostep

Sonny Moore better known by his stage-name Skrillex released in first studio album in March entitled Recess.  “All is Fair in Love and Brostep features the Ragga twins, who bring a reggae feel to a familiar electronic sound. It’s a really unique fusion of music genres and as always Skrillex brings the energy.

Foster the People – Coming of Age

“Coming of Age” is a single from Foster the People’s second album Supermodel. It features an airy upbeat vibe throughout the length of the track. The lyrics and feel of the song are true to it’s title, in that they describe a moment of realization that sparks a change in direction. Lead singer and songwriter Mark Foster described it best, “It’s about growing up.”

Kaiser Chiefs – Coming Home

The Kaiser Chiefs released their latest album on the very last day of March, squeezing their way into our top 10. Education, Education, Education & War is their fifth studio album and third since their breakout hit “Ruby” in 2007. This is their first album with new drummer Vijay Mistry, but their sound remains the same.

Fuel – Soul to Preach to

Puppet Strings marks the return of the band’s original lead singer Brett Scallions and that means good things for Fuel and fans. This is the first time since 2003’s Natural Selection album that Brett is leading the band. Bassist Brad Stewart, formerly of Shinedown,  also joins the group and replaces former bassist Jeff Abercrombie. Even with a few lineup changes, the goal of producing quality rock music is still Fuel’s aim.

Pharrell Williams – Hunter

We’ve wrote about Pharrell before so there’s not much to say. I still love “Hunter,” the Stevie Wonder-ish track that could also be a Justin Timberlake b-side. Pharrell is the pop king at the moment, and the whole album reflects it.

YG – 1AM

The bass-heavy “1AM” is off YG’s debut My Krazy Life. Ominous strings and that bass line exemplify the new sound of California gangsta rap and “1AM” nails it. It’s about criminal activity, often the kind that happens late in the night. Fans of Kendrick Lamar will gravitate towards this.

The Hold Steady – The Only Thing

I’ve read that Craig Finn, lead singer of The Hold Steady, lists Jawbreaker and Bruce Springsteen as among his influences. You can definitely hear those influences all over The Hold Steady. “The Only Thing” is a song that stood out to me almost immediately, like a Springsteen song in a more up-tempo, alternative band. If you’ve never listened to The Hold Steady. “The Only Thing” is a good place to start.

Future Islands – Seasons (Waiting On You)

Future Islands released their first album for 4AD in March when they dropped Singles. The lead single, and opening track, “Seasons (Waiting On You)”  is an airy track that nudges you into the album. Fans of synth-heavy pop will find it, and the rest of the album, enjoyable.

Taking Back Sunday – Stood  A Chance

“Stood A Chance” is a typical Taking Back Sunday single: catchy, up-tempo with dual vocals. The classic lineup is back in full force and Happiness Is… is a great release. A song like the driving “Stood A Chance” shows how well this band writes together, and when they get it right, the result is something great.

Did your favorite artist, album, or song not make the cut? Let us know in the comments below. Got a song that you think deserves to make in next month’s list? Hit us up on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+ and let us know.

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