Top 50 songs of 2010.
Just a little review I did on another site...
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#50: Jamiroquai - White Knuckle Ride
From what I make of him, he's quite an easily hateable personality - what with the fast cars, numerous conquests and rich lifestyle. But he's pretty much a dance music legend, and whilst this year saw a slightly eggfaced comeback thanks to the musical pariahs that are The X Factor female judges, this song was just bloody cool.
#49: Neon Trees - Animal
They never really took off this side of the Atlantic but I'm told they've cut it in the US. But Neon Trees' debut single this year was this, a ridiculously catchy and endearing song.
#48: Belle and Sebastian - I'm Not Living in the Real World
Anyway - their sound is usually a lot more self-glorifyingly indie and downbeat, but this album's proved a lovely turn of events - vibrant, singalong, happy.
#47: Gorillaz - On Melancholy Hill
I thoroughly take back my overhyped review of Plastic Beach this year. Diverse it may have been, but few songs have had longevity - this being one of the lucky few.
#46: The Drums - Let's Go Surfing
A rather catchy tune indeed. Sort of like the Beach Boys meet Joy Division. On a good day. If Curtis had good days.
#45: My Chemical Romance - Na Na Na
I was thinking this would be higher up upon release, but its energy has deteriorated somewhat. Nonetheless, MCR's return has been full of angsty energy and this single was pretty exciting.
#44: Ellie Goulding - Guns and Horses
Under the Sheets would've made an appearance had it not been 2009 - but this is one of Goulding's few songs that haven't gone on to be massively irritating. 'Your Song' can get out.
#43: M.I.A. - Meds and Feds
Sampling a Sleigh Bells song (and let's face it, she has every right to since, as producer, she made them), M.I.A.'s 2010 album was full of angry noise and this was one of the particularly exciting tracks.
#42: The Go! Team - T.O.R.N.A.D.O.
Absolutely insane.
#41: Groove Armada - History (feat. Will Young)
I was apprehensive about the idea of Will Young on a dance track - but it works perfectly. Somewhat similar to "Smalltown Boy" by Bronski Beat, Young's vocals give it a fresh new twist.
#40: Coldplay - Christmas Lights
It's only just come out and I initially was disappointed. But I can tell it'll continue to grow like a festive tumour. It doesn't break new ground - it's just comforting, safe, lovely Coldplay.
#39: The Smashing Pumpkins - Tom Tom
It has a very Manic Street Preachers vibe - but less hateful frontmen. It's essentially the process of refocussing a distorted psychedelic mess - giving it progression, a nice rhythm and still maintaining a little exploration.
#38: Lissie - Little Lovin'
If you want a pleasant, attractive young girl doing country-tinged music then **** Taylor Swift, download Lissie's album. Her voice has a great tone to it, and the songs are laidback and soulsearching.
#37: Robyn - Dancing On My Own
It's never going to pick up an award, and it's more of the same Robyn - but it's a niche I enjoy. It's over the top emotion set to a thumping tune and I love it regardless.
#36: Marina + the Diamonds - Hollywood
The lyrics are stupid. But this tune is not.
#35: Janelle Monáe - Cold War
MrGaryy introduced me to her. She's like Grace Jones in the sense of female androgyny, but doesn't suffer from the ****ing weird attitude Jones does. Instead, she makes rather consistent and good albums like The ArchAndroid.
#34: Sleigh Bells - Rill Rill
Another new artist to 2010 - I initially misplaced this track somehow and went under the impression they were a one trick pony. This is the only album track that's relatively melodic as opposed to an assault on the senses. And the tune is very lovely.
#33: Grinderman - Worm Tamer
I can't go a year and neglect Nick Cave. Plus the lyrics to this are ludicrously daring. "Yeah well my baby calls me the Loch Ness Monster - two great big humps, then I'm gone." The aggression is brilliant.
#32: Cee Lo Green - ***** You
This would've placed higher had a) it not been censored ludicrously and b) it not been overplayed. REGARDLESS, it's phenomenal. And probably deserves a higher placing. Meh.
#31: Mumford and Sons - Dust Bowl Dance
I've gone for this ahead of Winter Winds and Little Lion Man because it's a more subtle piece. The lyrics are lovely, and it builds to something quite great.
#30: John Grant - Caramel
I thoroughly recommend his album. It's full of really poignant, blunt, emotional stuff - this being one of the prettiest tracks.
#29: Arcade Fire - Half Light I
Would be higher had someone not pointed out a similarity between this and DeVotchKa's "How it Ends". It's a beautiful symphony.
#28: Gorillaz - Stylo
I'll be honest, the video helps this a lot. But that aside - it's a pretty slow-burning tune and it took a few listens to grow on me. But it's pretty awesome.
#27: Kings of Leon - Back Down South
The sound of this is just brilliant. It makes me want to bask in the sun. Might be because of current climate but meh.
#26: Kelis - Scream
It's not enough to live, so just dream \bate. No this is a pretty brilliant tune...quite unconventional chorus, the verses are more -wave your arms-y.
#25: Vampire Weekend - Giving Up The Gun
Loved this album. Probably the catchiest tune on it.
#24: Scissor Sisters - Skin Tight
Just cute. The lyrics are soppy and the tune is euphoric.
#23: M.I.A. - Born Free
Brilliant (banned) video, manic song and even though it's a sample, it's an unknown one so idc. *shakes tits*
#22: Skunk Anansie - God Loves Only You
The bass on this, teamed with Skin's vocals, make this an intense audial experience.
#21: Arcade Fire - Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
Regine's opus.
#20: Example - Kickstarts
It won Popjustice's £20 Song of the Year prize and whilst it's not exactly a work of art (and Popjustice know about as much about art as a basset hound does) it's indeed an extremely catchy song. Not my favourite of his though, won't beat Watch the Sun Come Up (2009)
#19: Kanye West - All of the Lights
It's 2010's collaboration opus. Rihanna and Eminem? Pants. GaGa and Beyoncé? Grew boring. It's just a brilliant showcase, and various layers of bold goodness.
#18: Christina Aguilera - You Lost Me
So Bionic was pretty terrible. But it did feature glimpses of hope, and this was the brightest - potentially her best vocal performance, certainly her best ballad, to date.
#17: Kings of Leon - Radioactive
It's very self-indulgent, and it's very stadium-rock. As a result they've lost a lot of fans - but mainstream successes such as this are mainstream for a reason - it's distinct, it's pleasing to mine ear.
#16: Arcade Fire - We Used to Wait
It doesn't look, on paper, like it should work. The piano tune would appear irritating but it's actually helpful towards a tense, moody listening experience.
#15: Brandon Flowers - Crossfire
The video is both cute and silly. The album was silly. This song is cute.
#14: The Naked and Famous - Young Blood
this song is rather catchy.
#13: Arcade Fire - Half Light II
The second Half Light I've featured on here (there's two Sprawls as well, but I've only selected one) - the drum rhythm cements its place in this countdown, it's very..."montage"y.
#12: Kelis - Acapella
I never would have predicted a Kelis comeback as brilliant as this. It's thumping, it's unusual, it's hypnotic. ILUVIT.
#11: Adele - Rolling in the Deep
She suffers a slight setback in that this hasn't even been released yet - and therefore I haven't included her other leaked track (Someone Like You). But the video's out, and this song is just everything that's right with music. Her voice is phenomenal, the tune makes you clap and stomp and the lyrics are raw.
#10: Goldfrapp - Rocket
Their 5th album, Head First, was released in early 2010 and it was a bit of a disaster. However, the lead single, this, was flamboyant, outrageous synthy goodness and it's unstoppable.
#9: Mumford and Sons - The Cave
Just a brilliantly orchestrated song.
#8: Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Effortlessly happy and I make a habit of listening to this whilst driving through this new, clean, quite boring residential area on the way home. It always reassures me.
#7: Kanye West - Monster (feat. Rick Ross, Bon Iver, Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj)
Whilst AOTL boasted quantity, this boasts quality. The lyrics and delivery are ludicrously intense from all performers, but it's Minaj's verse that stole the show and made her the hottest new prospect in American music right now.
#6: Stornoway - The Coldharbour Road
Just a beautiful song. The violin in this...
#5: M.I.A. - XXXO
On the surface it's a shameless, crass popsong about being promiscuous - but it's actually a brilliantly cutting and clever critique on the expectations made of a modern female popstar. The lyrics have a sinister tinge as a result.
#4: Scissor Sisters - Invisible Light
Whilst the throwbacks to the 80s this year by many have been irritating and desperate, the Scissors have done it perfectly. It's intense, it's sexy and it's cold. The lyrics to this are brilliant, and Sir Ian McKellen's appearance...oh my vagina.
#3: Kate Nash - Do-Wah-Doo
The video is kitsch but the song itself is brilliant - very old school rock'n'roll with an empowered female vocal. You can't not sing/tap your foot along.
#2: Arcade Fire - Month of May
This got a lot of criticism from hardcore fans for being so rock - but I'm of the opposite stance. The rhythm is fantastic and it makes me conjure mental images of car chases and gunfights. Very Foo Fighters/Queens of the Stone Age.
#1: Sleigh Bells - Tell 'Em
It was tricky picking between the top three but on being so different and unique to everything else I listen to, this wins. It's probably the biggest shot of adrenaline you can get through music - the cheerleader-style synths in contrast to the rapid-fire drum effects is intense.
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#50: Jamiroquai - White Knuckle Ride
From what I make of him, he's quite an easily hateable personality - what with the fast cars, numerous conquests and rich lifestyle. But he's pretty much a dance music legend, and whilst this year saw a slightly eggfaced comeback thanks to the musical pariahs that are The X Factor female judges, this song was just bloody cool.
#49: Neon Trees - Animal
They never really took off this side of the Atlantic but I'm told they've cut it in the US. But Neon Trees' debut single this year was this, a ridiculously catchy and endearing song.
#48: Belle and Sebastian - I'm Not Living in the Real World
Anyway - their sound is usually a lot more self-glorifyingly indie and downbeat, but this album's proved a lovely turn of events - vibrant, singalong, happy.
#47: Gorillaz - On Melancholy Hill
I thoroughly take back my overhyped review of Plastic Beach this year. Diverse it may have been, but few songs have had longevity - this being one of the lucky few.
#46: The Drums - Let's Go Surfing
A rather catchy tune indeed. Sort of like the Beach Boys meet Joy Division. On a good day. If Curtis had good days.
#45: My Chemical Romance - Na Na Na
I was thinking this would be higher up upon release, but its energy has deteriorated somewhat. Nonetheless, MCR's return has been full of angsty energy and this single was pretty exciting.
#44: Ellie Goulding - Guns and Horses
Under the Sheets would've made an appearance had it not been 2009 - but this is one of Goulding's few songs that haven't gone on to be massively irritating. 'Your Song' can get out.
#43: M.I.A. - Meds and Feds
Sampling a Sleigh Bells song (and let's face it, she has every right to since, as producer, she made them), M.I.A.'s 2010 album was full of angry noise and this was one of the particularly exciting tracks.
#42: The Go! Team - T.O.R.N.A.D.O.
Absolutely insane.
#41: Groove Armada - History (feat. Will Young)
I was apprehensive about the idea of Will Young on a dance track - but it works perfectly. Somewhat similar to "Smalltown Boy" by Bronski Beat, Young's vocals give it a fresh new twist.
#40: Coldplay - Christmas Lights
It's only just come out and I initially was disappointed. But I can tell it'll continue to grow like a festive tumour. It doesn't break new ground - it's just comforting, safe, lovely Coldplay.
#39: The Smashing Pumpkins - Tom Tom
It has a very Manic Street Preachers vibe - but less hateful frontmen. It's essentially the process of refocussing a distorted psychedelic mess - giving it progression, a nice rhythm and still maintaining a little exploration.
#38: Lissie - Little Lovin'
If you want a pleasant, attractive young girl doing country-tinged music then **** Taylor Swift, download Lissie's album. Her voice has a great tone to it, and the songs are laidback and soulsearching.
#37: Robyn - Dancing On My Own
It's never going to pick up an award, and it's more of the same Robyn - but it's a niche I enjoy. It's over the top emotion set to a thumping tune and I love it regardless.
#36: Marina + the Diamonds - Hollywood
The lyrics are stupid. But this tune is not.
#35: Janelle Monáe - Cold War
MrGaryy introduced me to her. She's like Grace Jones in the sense of female androgyny, but doesn't suffer from the ****ing weird attitude Jones does. Instead, she makes rather consistent and good albums like The ArchAndroid.
#34: Sleigh Bells - Rill Rill
Another new artist to 2010 - I initially misplaced this track somehow and went under the impression they were a one trick pony. This is the only album track that's relatively melodic as opposed to an assault on the senses. And the tune is very lovely.
#33: Grinderman - Worm Tamer
I can't go a year and neglect Nick Cave. Plus the lyrics to this are ludicrously daring. "Yeah well my baby calls me the Loch Ness Monster - two great big humps, then I'm gone." The aggression is brilliant.
#32: Cee Lo Green - ***** You
This would've placed higher had a) it not been censored ludicrously and b) it not been overplayed. REGARDLESS, it's phenomenal. And probably deserves a higher placing. Meh.
#31: Mumford and Sons - Dust Bowl Dance
I've gone for this ahead of Winter Winds and Little Lion Man because it's a more subtle piece. The lyrics are lovely, and it builds to something quite great.
#30: John Grant - Caramel
I thoroughly recommend his album. It's full of really poignant, blunt, emotional stuff - this being one of the prettiest tracks.
#29: Arcade Fire - Half Light I
Would be higher had someone not pointed out a similarity between this and DeVotchKa's "How it Ends". It's a beautiful symphony.
#28: Gorillaz - Stylo
I'll be honest, the video helps this a lot. But that aside - it's a pretty slow-burning tune and it took a few listens to grow on me. But it's pretty awesome.
#27: Kings of Leon - Back Down South
The sound of this is just brilliant. It makes me want to bask in the sun. Might be because of current climate but meh.
#26: Kelis - Scream
It's not enough to live, so just dream \bate. No this is a pretty brilliant tune...quite unconventional chorus, the verses are more -wave your arms-y.
#25: Vampire Weekend - Giving Up The Gun
Loved this album. Probably the catchiest tune on it.
#24: Scissor Sisters - Skin Tight
Just cute. The lyrics are soppy and the tune is euphoric.
#23: M.I.A. - Born Free
Brilliant (banned) video, manic song and even though it's a sample, it's an unknown one so idc. *shakes tits*
#22: Skunk Anansie - God Loves Only You
The bass on this, teamed with Skin's vocals, make this an intense audial experience.
#21: Arcade Fire - Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
Regine's opus.
#20: Example - Kickstarts
It won Popjustice's £20 Song of the Year prize and whilst it's not exactly a work of art (and Popjustice know about as much about art as a basset hound does) it's indeed an extremely catchy song. Not my favourite of his though, won't beat Watch the Sun Come Up (2009)
#19: Kanye West - All of the Lights
It's 2010's collaboration opus. Rihanna and Eminem? Pants. GaGa and Beyoncé? Grew boring. It's just a brilliant showcase, and various layers of bold goodness.
#18: Christina Aguilera - You Lost Me
So Bionic was pretty terrible. But it did feature glimpses of hope, and this was the brightest - potentially her best vocal performance, certainly her best ballad, to date.
#17: Kings of Leon - Radioactive
It's very self-indulgent, and it's very stadium-rock. As a result they've lost a lot of fans - but mainstream successes such as this are mainstream for a reason - it's distinct, it's pleasing to mine ear.
#16: Arcade Fire - We Used to Wait
It doesn't look, on paper, like it should work. The piano tune would appear irritating but it's actually helpful towards a tense, moody listening experience.
#15: Brandon Flowers - Crossfire
The video is both cute and silly. The album was silly. This song is cute.
#14: The Naked and Famous - Young Blood
this song is rather catchy.
#13: Arcade Fire - Half Light II
The second Half Light I've featured on here (there's two Sprawls as well, but I've only selected one) - the drum rhythm cements its place in this countdown, it's very..."montage"y.
#12: Kelis - Acapella
I never would have predicted a Kelis comeback as brilliant as this. It's thumping, it's unusual, it's hypnotic. ILUVIT.
#11: Adele - Rolling in the Deep
She suffers a slight setback in that this hasn't even been released yet - and therefore I haven't included her other leaked track (Someone Like You). But the video's out, and this song is just everything that's right with music. Her voice is phenomenal, the tune makes you clap and stomp and the lyrics are raw.
#10: Goldfrapp - Rocket
Their 5th album, Head First, was released in early 2010 and it was a bit of a disaster. However, the lead single, this, was flamboyant, outrageous synthy goodness and it's unstoppable.
#9: Mumford and Sons - The Cave
Just a brilliantly orchestrated song.
#8: Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Effortlessly happy and I make a habit of listening to this whilst driving through this new, clean, quite boring residential area on the way home. It always reassures me.
#7: Kanye West - Monster (feat. Rick Ross, Bon Iver, Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj)
Whilst AOTL boasted quantity, this boasts quality. The lyrics and delivery are ludicrously intense from all performers, but it's Minaj's verse that stole the show and made her the hottest new prospect in American music right now.
#6: Stornoway - The Coldharbour Road
Just a beautiful song. The violin in this...
#5: M.I.A. - XXXO
On the surface it's a shameless, crass popsong about being promiscuous - but it's actually a brilliantly cutting and clever critique on the expectations made of a modern female popstar. The lyrics have a sinister tinge as a result.
#4: Scissor Sisters - Invisible Light
Whilst the throwbacks to the 80s this year by many have been irritating and desperate, the Scissors have done it perfectly. It's intense, it's sexy and it's cold. The lyrics to this are brilliant, and Sir Ian McKellen's appearance...oh my vagina.
#3: Kate Nash - Do-Wah-Doo
The video is kitsch but the song itself is brilliant - very old school rock'n'roll with an empowered female vocal. You can't not sing/tap your foot along.
#2: Arcade Fire - Month of May
This got a lot of criticism from hardcore fans for being so rock - but I'm of the opposite stance. The rhythm is fantastic and it makes me conjure mental images of car chases and gunfights. Very Foo Fighters/Queens of the Stone Age.
#1: Sleigh Bells - Tell 'Em
It was tricky picking between the top three but on being so different and unique to everything else I listen to, this wins. It's probably the biggest shot of adrenaline you can get through music - the cheerleader-style synths in contrast to the rapid-fire drum effects is intense.
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