Top 100s by Year – Review
By App Type: Uncategorized
Our rating: 
By: Melodeo, Inc.
Version #: 2.2.3
Date Released: 2010-04-27
Developer:
Price: 0.00
User Rating:
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Top 100s by Year is a music app that is essentially a premium radio channel that has the top 100 songs of every year from as early as 1947 up to last year, 2009. The app is brought to us by the good people of Bing, and they’ve made sure that we are constantly reminded of that while using the app.
Launching the app will initiate an unusually long splash screen showing the title card against a scenic background, like the ones you see on Bing’s home page. You are then prompted to select a song list, that is, choose which year you want to relive with the help of songs that are included in the top 100 of that year. Once you’ve decided on a song list, tap the "Listen Now" button and you’re just about ready to go sound-tripping, that is, you’re not ready until you read a message saying that the app is actually valued at $1.99, that it’s thanks to Bing that it’s made free for a limited time, and that we should help keep it free longer by downloading the Bing app now.
Once that well-meaning but repetitive message is over and done with, the first track commences playback via online streaming and the corresponding album art is displayed, below which are several playback controls. There’s a button that provides a link to the song’s iTunes page where you can purchase it, options to search Bing for the song lyrics or for information about the artist, and a link to (surprise,surprise) download the Bing iPhone app. There’s also a play/pause button, of course, as well as a next button that plays another popular song from the same year.
Note that the songs are played in random, which the developers claim is required of them in order to keep the app free or low-priced. You can view all tracks in the current song list, but selecting a song title will not result in that song’s playback. Rather, you will only be provided with links to buy that song on iTunes, watch the video on YouTube, or listen to a brief preview. Note also that after every three songs, you’ll hear a sound that says, "Bing!" That’s just another ad from Bing reminding you again to download the Bing app. Of course, you can simply ignore it and continue listening to and being all nostalgic with the awesome collection of songs popularized during your lifetime and even during your granddad’s.
Quick Take
Value:High.
Would I Buy Again:Yes, but only if it's free and the ads are kept to a minimum.
Learning Curve:Zero.
Who Is It For:Lovers of popular music, particularly those who fancy being nostalgic about the music they grew up with.
What I Like:Great song lists. Clear sound quality.
What I Don't Like:Songs can only be played in shuffle mode. The "please download the Bing app now" adverts are really persistent, aren't they?
Final Statement:Ignoring the ads for Bing that may become a bit annoying over time, I have reason to believe that this app will soon be at or near the top of the list of the most popular music apps in the App Store.
This $1.99 app is offered for FREE by Bing for a limited time.
Please help keep this app free longer by downloading the Bing app now.
What were the top songs for 2009, the year you were born or graduated from high school?
Spin the wheel to find the year you want to hear. Click and listen. View the list to find the #1 song for that year, from 1947 to 2009.
These lists are not solely based on record sales or radio popularity at the time. Instead, these are lists of songs that have stood the test of time based on their initial and lasting popularity, and on their impact on the overall scope of musical history.
Feedback is welcome at forums.nutsie.com.
The songs are streamed in shuffle mode like a web radio station through 3G, Edge or Wi-fi.
Enjoy!
