My Top Ten Songs by Ben Kweller

From the humble surroundings of Greenville, Texas, singer/songwriter Ben Kweller began his music career at age 15 when his band, Radish, was signed to Mercury Records. After his short heyday with the grunge outfit, he moved to New York to pursue a solo career and has never looked back.

As a fan of Kweller's music, it was an arduous task picking, much less arranging, ten favorite songs. But here it goes!

Below is my list of favorite Kweller songs from 1-10:

1. Wasted and Ready (Sha Sha)

This rockin' song was my first introduction to Kweller. With lyrics like ... "Sex reminds her of eating spaghetti" ... it is hard not to sing along to the irreverence while playing air guitar.

2. Thirteen (Ben Kweller)

Speaking on this track, Kweller on his personal MySpace said, "A bonus for me, and you, is I think I might have written my best song while I was in the studio. It's called 'Thirteen'. It's very personal and almost hard for me to listen to." He's right. This song chronicles his plight in being a new father and husband with thoughtful lyrics and solid rhythm.

3. In Other Words (Sha Sha)

A wispy, melancholic piano epic that screams of a young Elton John coupled with a bright steel guitar. My favorite lyric ... "The butterflies are passive aggressive and put their problems on the shelf but they're beautiful," is one of many in this witty, work of art.

4. Commerce, TX (Sha Sha)

Having lived and been a student in Commerce, TX, this gritty slacker anthem holds a special place in my heart. From the moment Kweller strikes a chord, I reminisce about my youth and remember how fun it all was.

5. Sundress (Ben Kweller)

In this ballad to his girlfriend Liz, he describes the beauty of their relationship in a heart wrenching tale. A must listen, especially with your significant other.

6. Hear Me Out (On My Way)

This harmonica driven standout tune is the catchiest of his second album and gives you a sense of his roots, growing up in the heart of Northeast Texas.

7. The Rules (On My Way)

In typical Kweller fashion, he offers up a dose of fast paced foot stomping melodic rock with this cut. Visions of Radish, along with stripped down, alternative country sensibility dominate this two-and-a-half minute production.

8. Penny on A Train Track (Ben Kweller)

One of many standout songs on his newest self-titled album. It became more personal when a classmate of mine said her husband, a local policeman was referenced in this verse ... "Ran into a friend just the other night/Got a badge, he's a local cop/Haven't seen that boy in over seven years/Since out of high school I dropped." Apparently, Kweller ran into his high school friend while shopping in Greenville Wal-Mart during 4th of July weekend, she said.

9. On My Way (On My Way)

In this letter to his mother, Kweller has a right of passage and shows signs of maturity, while still keeping his endearing teenage qualities. It parallels to my life as a young adult and slowly, but surely growing up.

10. My Apartment (On My Way)

..."Sometimes I wish I had a farm/Where the only pollution is your cigarettes/Where your mind is clear/But I like it here in my small space. So fittingly starts this track of a love affair with his apartment in New York. Don't we all hide from the outside world in our apartment?