The end of another year. Jesus Christina.
So here we are, preparing our stomachs for the warmth and imminent agony of 'post Xmas dinner'. Figuring out what the hell we're doing at New Year, whether we're going to spend it getting pissed at a party or curled up on the sofa in our new slipper boots and long-johns, watching something uber violent and scary (just me?). One thing is certain, even if our festive plans aren't, 2012 has been an awesome year for music. It's been emotional, fun, surprising, revelationary (made up a word there) and camper than Louis Spence's underwear drawer.
We had the long awaited come back of Xtina with the epic 'Your Body', which didn't quite burn up the charts, but it's one of my top played songs of the year so far. There was the gorgeous revelation that is Jessie Ware and her mind blowing album Devotion; an album so perfect, I shit you not, it changed my year for the better. An Xfactor contestant released a 5 Star single and made my top 15. Rihanna is in there, of course, when wouldn't she be? She'll still be releasing singles when she's 65, probably still wearing a see through dress and getting soaked on the Xfactor live shows, now judged by 3 corpses and Louis Walsh (immortal). Rita Ora managed to get one on there, as did Leona Lewis who yet again flopped a bit. Poor cow. You're going to notice soon enough that there's a Eurovision entry on there too... I know good pop music when I hear it and it's one mother of a pop song. Then we have the behemoth debut album by Scottish songstress Emeli Sande, Our Version of Events which has a single flying high in my countdown. Have a look below and let me know your thoughts, positive or negative. To be fair, I don't care if you think Sam and the Womp should be number one. Also, don't go expecting to see the ear torture that is 'Candy' by Robbie Williams. Over my dead body:
The first of the Xfactor alumni to appear on my countdown, and not one of them's a winner. Aiden surprised with his brilliant debut album, packed with dub-step and drum & bass influences all produced by the same dude who helped pull together Lana Del Rey's debut album. This was the second single from the album and although it didn't really see much of the charts, it's a stunning power ballad, brimming with cool and a huge chorus.
At first listen I despised this annoying little bitch of a song. Then once I realised how awesome the chorus was I let them off for having the 'G-g-g-go-go-go' stutter. It's not their best song but it is one of the catchiest mothers of 2012. Xenomania never falters.
I've never liked a Eurovision entry/winner, let alone loved one. This song is instantly incredible and is Eurovision's finest moment to date.
When I first heard this I thought it was a joke song, like 'Candy' by Robbie Williams. I thought, 'what is this pish? It's a bit like that joke song by Robbie Williams called 'Candy''. Then after a couple of listens and seeing the video I thought, 'This is actually amazing and so much better than 'Candy' by Robbie Williams, which is total shite'. This is the second biggest song in the UK this year and will remain one of the catchiest pop tunes of the next decade (I imagine).
Rita Ora hasn't had 20 number one hits on the charts; she has had 20 number one hits between her legs though. Ooohhhh Boom. The best part about this debut single from 20 Ora, apart from the hotness that is Tinie Tempah, is that panting bridge. It's one of my favourite moments of 2012 and is the finest song from her debut album ORA, which I didn't review very favourably.
'Wings' was great but after a while it got pretty annoying. Second single 'DNA' didn't do as well commercially, but it is a far superior pop song. They even find time to slip a little chunk of opera in the middle. Epic.
Gorgeous retro tinged vocals layered over a crazy mix of dub step, dance and a horn section. On first listen it's almost random; on second listen it's almost perfect. It also boasts on of the simplest yet catchiest lines of the year.
'Fight For This Love' was great, truly great and its 1 million+ sales figure backs this up. 'Promise This' wasn't so brilliant but it was annoyingly and undeniably infectious. Seeing her second album flounder a little on the charts, Cheryl really needed to crack out a big beast of a song to regain her foothold in the industry and who better to help her do this than Scottish Rihanna Dance Anthem (and newly attractive) God, Calvin Harris. 'Call My Name' is epic, a total gay dance floor flamethrower of a song, but is essentially the poor man's 'We Found Love'.
Here he is again. Not content with having the best song of 2011 with Rihanna, he tried to take the title once more. However, outdoing that song is an impossible feat. This remix of a Florence track is a great move for the tall ginger one, showing her diversity as an artist and seeing her step forward into a more pop friendly territory. The first time the chorus kicks in is nothing but exhilarating.
Their newest album A Joyful Noise wasn't their best, let's be honest. It was a step back from Music For Men, that's a fact, however 'Move In the Right Direction' was the one and only triumph to emerge from this era of the band's career. Packed with attitude and produced by Brian Higgins (Xenomania founder), this was destined to be perfect from its inception. It's just a shame it didn't get the marketing it deserved, because this is one song deserving of the number one spot.
15. Rihanna - Stay
The first of two entries on my countdown from the hit factory that is Rihanna (and her ever talented production team). This is a less commercial sounding track from the queen of pop. Stripped back, piano led and beautifully authentic, this is one of Rihanna's finest trips into balladry. Also, who could forget that Xfactor final performance? Holy shit!
The first time I heard this I was hypnotised by how bloody gorgeous it is. I wasn't an enormous fan of her debut album, although some of the singles were lovely. Again, I haven't given the new album much time, but this song is just divine. It's a bit like eating your favourite cake over and over again for eternity, and getting that first tickle on your taste buds. Stunning.
I liked 'Home Run' but it wasn't as amazing as it could and should have been, and it only reached number 11. My favourite Xfactor contestant of her year, Misha was the most commercially ready artist to appear on the show and remains to this day one of the most commercially ready in its history. Thankfully, she hit the top 10 with her second single 'Do You Think of Me?', an absolute stunner of a song. Misha's vocals are superb, laid over an exciting dance beat and some piano keys.
When I reviewed Born to Die I cited this as one of the album's highlights. I still stand by this. When I heard it come on in HMV one afternoon I realised how right I was. Pounding, pulsing synths and that haunting Lana Del Rey style production, coupled with the huge chorus, make this one of 2012s finest singles and one of her best songs to date.
Here she is again, but everyone knows she'll appear on this list year after year until I'm dead and can't blog anymore. Written by Sia Furler (Australian Goddess of Music), this was the surprise of 2012. A step away from the dance heavy tunes of Rihanna's recent past, 'Diamonds' showed off a step forward into maturity, both lyrically and vocally. It's got hooks coming from all directions and it's so perfectly produced it hurts. I'm just waiting for a Ri and Si duet!
I first came across Disclosure when Jessie Ware supported him in a live rendition of his remix of her amazing song 'Running'. It was awesome, not as good as the original obviously, but still awesome (as pretty much everything Jessie Ware does, is). Then he went a released his first 'successful' single, 'Latch' and everyone loved it, including me. The soft bounce of the electronic beat is instantly loveable and Sam Smith's vocals are pure brilliant. If the next 9 songs hadn't been so good he'd be number 1, but he isn't.
I find it frustrating that people haven't taken more notice of Solange in the past. She is better than Beyonce; there I said it. She's more credible, doesn't bounce around all over the stage like a rabid singing Kangaroo on ecstasy and she doesn't over sing every note (note: I love Beyonce and I worship the very ground she walks upon - but her sister is better). Her second album was packed with Motown flavours and had three incredible singles on it (check out 'Sandcastle Disco' here). Now people are taking more notice because she sounds a bit 'cooler'. This shallowness would be a shame, if 'Losing You' wasn't so fucking perfect. It's one of the most brilliant songs of her career and I'd even say it's almost better than 'Sweet Dreams' by Beyonce... only almost!
I loved this song the first time I heard it. Emeli Sande is amazing. Naughty Boy is sort of amazing, but only because he's collaborating with someone like Emeli Sande. The cycle then continues eternally. Kicking off with a joyful piano riff, the tempo picks up with jungle drums and an anthemic chorus. It's great to hear a song with a positive feel to it, as the charts are too frequently drowning in misery. If you're ever feeling shit, I usually do for the first 3 hours of the day, this will pull you out of your mood like musical prozac.
Christina kind of screwed up with Bionic, an album with so much potential to be immense, that just didn't quite make the cut. However, she's turned things around with new album Lotus, not perfect but far better. Lead single 'Your Body' is the best song from the new album. Dirty, cheeky, somewhat volatile Xtina is back. She blasts her way through the chorus in her usual overpowering fashion, but in this instance it's appropriate. We always knew she liked a good humping, but it's good to know she still likes it in her 30s; That's my girl. The best part about the whole thing is that it's produced by Max Martin. Hail the king!
Sia's first foray into the spotlight in the 00s over on our soil. This Sia penned song got the Guetta treatment and turned out to be one of the most impressive dance songs of the last 12 years. It's huge and I mean bloody massive, with Sia's distinct and emotive vocals taking the helm. Guetta songs don't often come this good.
There's been a bit of an Emeli Sande overkill of late. She's everywhere, a bit like a Scottish non-dancing Rihanna, with prettier songs and songwriting talent. I can't complain though, it's better than hearing 'Candy' by Robbie Williams again, in my lifetime. 'Next to Me' is second to 'Heaven' as Emeli's best song, with a distinct piano hook and that famous 'ooooohhhooooo-oo', it's the perfect up tempo song for an artist in her vein to release. The lyrics are pretty awesome too.
Only one person on this earth can keep the self-empowerment anthems coming and that's Kelly Clarkson. This is a pretty generic pop song, but with her massive voice at the wheel and Greg Kurstin at the gears, along with the most straight forward chorus in history, this narrowly misses out on the top spot this year. I wish someone would tell her that she doesn't need a faux performance segue in every music video though. Goddamnit!
Mumford & Sons' first album was incredible. Their new album is just as incredible. I haven't decided if Babel is better, but it is definitely equal. 'I Will Wait' is one of the acts best songs to date, full of passion and moving a vocal performance. They're one of those 'album' acts, the ones who sell fuck loads of albums, but don't fair so well with singles. Who cares though right, the song exists and that's all that matters. Redefined folk.
The second song for ol' Lana on the countdown. This was the lead single from her repackaged album/sort of separate album but not really a second album, Paradise. 'Ride' is her most gloriously beautiful song so far. The hum that opens the song is mesmerising and what follows is typical Lana poetry with something magical layered beneath. What this song does other than be amazing, is it proves she's not just a one trick pony and she's got on hell of a future in music. Sometimes I like to stick this on, close my eyes, and imagine I'm in a convertible breezing down the West Coast of America. Hey, I'm a daydreamer. 
So here we are, right at the top/end of the 2012 countdown. It's no secret that I am completely besotted with Devotion, the best album of the year without a doubt. I'll never forget the first time I heard 'Devotion', with its twinkling intro and 80s singed synths. I was hooked immediately and completely in love. Then I heard 'Wildest Moments' and things got really exciting. This is a song that makes 'Candy' by Robbie Williams look like a festering turd by the side of the road. The opening line, 'you and I/blood lines/we come together every time...' is one of my favourite lines in a song ever. It's sat on top of a pounding, echoing drum beat and all the other bits of production hypnotise. It's a special song that gets you craving for further listens and this is certainly that song. If music could be a drug, this would be the first pill in my box.
Phew, I don't know about you but I am bloody knackered now. If I'd done a top 40 I'd have needed extra vodka. 2012 has been amazing for pop, folk, Lana Del Rey... let's just hope 2013 brings us so much and more!
PS: All the titles click through to the music videos. Enjoy.
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