A lot of music gets squished out of the music industry womb every year. The last 3 years have seen a significant volume of underrated/underperforming songs find their way into my earshot and quite honestly, I'm appalled. You're about to be introduced or maybe reminded, of 5 said songs. These should have sold enough copies to climb into at least the top 10, alas no. Instead we are forced to listen, repeatedly, to the same shit day in day out on commercial radio stations which choose to overlook the music that is better because it just is and not because it's attached a name. Have a look, let me know what you think and if you feel as strongly about any of the following songs you damn well better exclaim it from on high!
FIVE.
It was a travesty that ol' Aiden didn't 'take off' with his debut solo album Misty Eye. He was by far the most talented and unique artist to come from his Xfactor alumni year & is perhaps one of the most authentic off casts from the show to date. His second single 'Curtain Call' is a gorgeous song featuring stunning chorus vocals from ShezAr, UK singer and producer Labrinth's sister. It's anthemic, powerful and at points overwhelming.
UK Chart Peak - #49
FOUR.
Her debut album True Romance is a haunting collection, packed with dark 80s inspired synth work and echoey deep vocals. It's pretty incredible work from a 20 year old woman and like many brilliant albums it didn't receive half the reception it should have. 'Stay Away' was the first single back in May 2011 and from what I can gather didn't chart at all (correct me if I'm wrong). It's a dark, powerful ballad, backed by rumbling 80s electro synths and has a chorus that knocks you on your arse.
UK Chart Peak - #N/A
THREE.
Lost - Frank Ocean
Channel Orange is a fantastic album from start to finish. It's experimental, revealing and like nothing else around at the moment. I managed to get it the iTunes sale at Christmas last year and I'd say it's most amazing bargain I've ever found! The most commercial track from the collection is 'Lost', a single that received relatively heavy airplay on Radio 1, but just didn't climb far up the charts. It's mid tempo pace, whistling synth chorus, & Ocean's stunningly smooth vocal performance make this a keeper in contemporary soul music.
UK Chart Peak - #53
TWO.
I've made it clear through numerous posts in the past, how much I adore Jessie Ware & her debut album Devotion. It is, in my opinion, on of the finest contemporary albums to date and is one of my all time favourite collections. She merges 80s with 00s; light & dark; soul & pop & r'n'b & indie authenticity. Her quality is unquestionable, so why has she not ignited the singles charts with any of the incredible songs she has in her roster? The album hit #5 back in 2012, which is fantastic, but 'Wildest Moments' stalled at 46. I would love to have a top 100 single myself, I imagine it feels great to know your work is in the top 100 songs of a particular week in the ever changing, fast moving world of popular music. However, a song this beautiful with #1 stamped all over it should have been bought by far more people. I dismay.
UK Chart Peak - #46
ONE.
Everything Is Embarrassing - Sky Ferreira
I'm sad that Sky Ferreira hasn't had the success she deserves. I hope it's coming to her, I really do because she deserves it for releasing a song as perfect as 'Everything Is Embarrassing' from her debut album that will be released sometime before robots take over the world. Another 80s inspired up-tempo song, with gorgeous vocals and production by the genius Dev Hynes (MKS/Solange/Arctic Monkeys). One day the fame will come to her, one day.
UK Chart Peak - #N/A
There are so many songs that I wanted to put in here, but I felt these were the key contenders. The likes of 'Hang With Me' by Robyn should have been right up in the higher reaches of our charts, alas the public chose to ignore its quality or simply weren't exposed enough to its greatness. It's time to wise up!
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