The Top 100 Songs of 2011 -- #49: "L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N." - Noah and the Whale

Honestly, considering the sound breakout of folk music of the last two years (called by many a British folk revival, no less!), you would have thought that Noah and the Whale would have had a bigger 2011. Maybe more English success, perhaps heightened popularity in the United States? Something!

But as the dust of the year settles, Noah and the Whale really isn't any further along than they were when Last Night on Earth was released. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as it also means they didn't take any steps back, but one expected more from them in a year of opportunity.

Still, the band gave us "L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N." this year, so can we really complain that much?

The track may just be the feel-good song of the year. Behind relaxed guitars -- both acoustic and otherwise -- and a steady mid-tempo beat, frontman Charlie Fink and a band of merry background vocalists sing of living the optimistic side of life.

"L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.," sings the band on the chorus, before Fink comes in with the remainder of the verse. "You've got more than money and sense, my friend. You've got heart, and you go in your own way." Add to this a few other positive phrases, et cetera.



Fink should be a motivational speaker or something. Suddenly, I don't feel so bad about looming graduation. And you shouldn't feel bad either, ladies and gents! You got heart. Charlie Fink said so.