Kanye West - Jesus Walks: I'm not quite as sure as most that it took a lot of courage to release this track, but I am surprised at how big a hit it was and how much I liked a hip hop song. I'm sure this makes me a rockist, but most hip hop either bores me (where are the breaks?) or it just annoys me with the constant misogynist and violence laden lyrics (how many times can the movie Scarface be referenced?). Jesus Walks was novel and not a novelty for the genre that needed it just like "the way Kathie Lee needed Regis that's the way ya'll need Jesus."

Gretchen Wilson - When I Think About Cheatin': The third single release by Gretchen shows she's not just a redneck aberration. This song gives us many of country's eternal themes; love, betrayal, leavin', and drinkin', and wraps them in a traditional ballad form which Gretchen sings simply and sincerely. The way her voice quavers the first time she sings the word "you" during the chorus knocks me out. Classic country is not dead.

My Chemical Romance - I'm Not Okay (I Promise): The video got me before the tune did. The video is a miniature movie about typical teen angst, sharp and snappy. The song is emo styled, but it packs a big wallop even though it smells contrived. Screaming, croquet mallets, a fuzzy headed guitar player, a drummer that remains to be seen, and cheerleaders with something in their eye: it all helps make up the whole of a great three minutes.

So there's 3 good singles. The fourth entry in my best of 2004 for best album will be posted soon and I'm sure it'll leave you grinning.